Musicians, dancers and jammers are all needed for this summer’s 35th annual Crook Farm Country Fair and Old Time Music Festival held in conjunction with the Crook Farm Country Fair in Bradford.
The event, which is the primary fundraiser for Bradford Landmark Society, will be held Aug. 23-24 at the historic farm on Seaward Avenue. In addition to old time music and dancing, a variety of crafts and demonstrations will once again be available during the end-of-summer celebration.
Howard Blumenthal, organizer of the event’s music festival, said a number of local musicians and dancers provide entertainment each year at the festival as a way of thanking Bradford Landmark officials.
“Throughout the year these folks encourage local music and dance by generously allowing us access to the Crook Farm facilities,” Blumenthal said of Bradford Landmark. “This is a chance for the local musicians and dancers to get together and say ‘Thank you.’”
Blumenthal said those who have entertained at the festival in the past have appreciated the enthusiasm of the crowds.
“It’s going to be fine and we will have plenty of entertainment this year,” Blumenthal continued. “It’s a really good audience and they really appreciate the country bluegrass and folk musicians.”
Blumenthal said acoustic, bluegrass and old time country musicians are encouraged to sign up soon to ensure a spot in the line-up on the main stage.
Musicians that are expected to return for this year’s entertainment include the WNY Fiddle Kids, a group comprised of a music teacher and 10 fiddle students. The group, whose home base is East Concord, N.Y., is comprised of students between the ages of 5 and 18 who play traditional bluegrass with a modern twist.
In addition to East Concord, they hail from the communities of Springville, West Falls, East Aurora, Hamburg and Lake View in New York state.
Also planning a return to the music festival is the Hamlin Station Bluegrass group from Smethport and Blumenthal’s band, the Crook Farm All Stars.
Blumenthal said funding is limited for the entertainment and local musicians donate their time to the event. Non-local musicians who travel more than $25 miles will receive limited compensation for gas and their expenses. In addition, musicians and their families will not be charged for admission, camping or the hospitality area where water, coffee and snacks are served.
The fair, which is also accepting applications from craft vendors, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Sally Costik, curator at Bradford Landmark, said plans are currently under way for this summer’s festival. She said vendors and crafters have been calling the office to set up booths and inquire about activities. More information on this event will be published at a later date, she said.
For more information on the music festival, contact Blumenthal online at howard@blumenthals.com or call (814) 368-4057. Send emails to info@bradfordlandmark.org or call (814)362-3906 for more information on the country fair.
