harperk31794 - Posted - 03/11/2010:  10:59:27

Any body going to Merlefest, I'll be there from Sunday - Saturday. The festival is only Thursday - Sunday however, the Wilkes Accoustic Society puts up the Picking Tents and the Jams start on Monday night usually.

Ken

bmizell - Posted - 03/11/2010:  11:52:53

Do you camp around there or stay in a motel and drive over to the picking tents.
I have a seasonal camping spot in spruce Pine, NC about 1 1/2 hrs drive away. could drive over or bring my camper and stay locally. I have never been to Merlefest and hear its a great one to attend. alot of good talent there.
Bob

granderman - Posted - 03/13/2010:  03:59:27

i am going i go up on wednesday with my RV i camp in the on site rv lot

harperk31794 - Posted - 03/13/2010:  20:40:07

Bob,

I stay at a hotel, I travel a lot on my job and I have plenty of free hotel nights so I use em for stuff like this. After Wednesday you can't drive to the Merlefest, you have to park at a collectiong site and ride the shuttle over. Great groups there and they do a great job, I don't go to the stages much, stay in the picking tents mostly.

Ken

abcdave - Posted - 03/14/2010:  14:09:31

I've never heard of this, I assume we're talking about Travis, my favorite musician? Certainly never heard of a Haggardfest. abcd

harperk31794 - Posted - 03/16/2010:  07:57:38

It's for Merle Watson, put on by Doc Watson every year. Last year the attendance was around 80,000 I think. It's huge, great line up of stars.

Here is a link to the site, it started in 1987, has an economic impact of about $17M for the community according to the site.

merlefest.org/MerleFestCMS/con...spx?id=56

If you get a chance to go, it's worth it. Tickets run about $150 for General Admisson up to about $450 for reserved seating. If you buy General Admission today it's $135 however tomorrow 3/13/2010 the price goest up to $150.


Ken