Music lovers throughout Pennsylvania, as well as neighboring states, will congregate to catch up on friendships, food, and fun with foot stompin’ fiddle mania in the little town of Lyons. It’s the 34th annual Lyons Fiddle Festival, Sunday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., held rain or shine in Lyons Park, 15 Park Ave., Lyons.
Having formed their own brand from life’s experiences, this year’s entertainment brings a mix of Celtic, bluegrass, mountain music, country, and folk. These artists come from Reading, Shamrock Station, Lehigh County, the mountains of West Virginia, and America coast to coast. The bands for 2017 Lyons Fiddle Festival include The Martin Sisters, Hurricane Hoss, the 2015 Grand Champion, The Hillbilly Gypsies, The Kreider Trio, Caroline Reese, and back for a reunion concert is Farm From the City featuring Dave (Mitch) Miller, Scott Carl, and Mike Hertzog.
The rear of Lyons Park, a hot spot for jammers to mix, will have an expanded area this year to meet the demands of the ever-growing numbers of fun-loving musicians. Also, continuing in the promotion of musical excellence, is the Festival competition for all-ages on stage. These fiddlers compete for cash prizes and a custom-designed trophy from handcrafted pottery.
Additional highlights of the festival are the kettle-cooked soups and stews, baked treats, as well as other foods popular at the Festival. There will be over 20 crafters and vendors selling homemade goods such as soaps, jewelry, dog treats, baskets, quilted wall hangings, ornaments, fiber art, doll clothing, embroidery, foods, paper crafts and so much more. As if this wasn’t enough, the Festival will hold its annual quilt raffle and Martin guitar raffle.
Admission for a full day of top entertainment and more is a $5 donation per person. Children under 12 years are free. Parking is by donation only and benefits the Lyons Fire Company Truck Crew and the Kutztown HOBOS, Helping Others Before Ourselves.
To learn more about the Lyons Fiddle Festival or to volunteer, go to www.lyonsfiddle.com.
