Annual Bluegrass Festival

Bluegrass music at its finest will be presented in July when fans from across the south gather at Rogersville Recreation Park for the Annual Bluegrass Festival. The three-day event will include live performances, crafts booths, a shade tree band contest, prize giveaways, and food vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the day.

Contact: Rogersville Visitors and Information Center
Location: Lee Street and Wheeler Street (Alabama Highway 207), Rogersville, Alabama.
Facilities: RV and camping sites available both on site and at Joe Wheeler State Park
Admission: Free for Thursday event, Admission for Friday and Saturday

Rogersville Bluegrass Information

EVENT PHOTOS FROM THE 2009 BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL




































Rogersville Bluegrass Festival History

The Annual Rogersville Bluegrass Festival began as a dream of the late John P. Roberson. Mr. Roberson was a council member and Mayor of the Town of Rogersville for many years. Mr. Roberson led the effort to begin the 1st Annual Rogersville Bluegrass Festival that was held in July 2002. The first festival was just a one day (Saturday) event held under the trees of the Rogersville Recreation Park. The initial committee was comprised of John Roberson, Anita Roberson, Morris Lentz, Doris Cosby, Ethelene Haraway, Doug Burchell and Chris Crumbley.

A small portable stage was erected by Mr. Doug Burchell and sound system was donated by Morris Lentz. Several local bluegrass bands were contacted by Ethelene Haraway which made for a very enjoyable event.

In 2005, the Town of Rogersville erected a beautiful outdoor stage under the direction of local area carpenters. Those carpenters that donated their time and talent were Bob Blanks, Jerry Garner, Duke Williams, and Jesse Gorrell. This new stage made for a beautiful setting for the festival.

In 2006 the Town of Rogersville once again invested thousands of dollars in the development of a new campground area which in 2007 was completed. This development included hook-ups, dumping station and a level area for campers to park and enjoys the festival.

Over the years, the festival has been instrumental in raising money for various civic organizations in the town. The Rogersville Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new fire engine due to proceeds from the festival. In addition, the local LCHS band raised funds along with the Rogersville Senior Center, LCHS baseball team and other civic organizations.

In 2005 the festival was extended to a two day event with performers coming to entertain late in the day Friday and all day Saturday. In 2006 the festival was extended to a three day event with the local chamber of commerce kick off event held on Thursday along with the Friday and Saturday events.

Over the years the festival has seen continued growth. This year saw the biggest crowds yet to attend the festival. In addition, the Alabama Bluegrass Association stated the Rogersville festival was second to none in its facilities, hospitality and entertainment. Next year’s festival should prove to be as successful as those in the past due to the hard work of many volunteers in the community.