If your taste in music is country, then it’s Broadway Street in Nashville; for blues it’s Beale Street in Memphis; and if it’s jazz music you prefer, then it’s Bourbon Street in New Orleans; but, if it’s bluegrass and gospel music you like most then you need go no farther than the Old Louisville Road in Guyton and the Mossy Oak Music Park.
This week they are celebrating their 10th anniversary and hosting their 31st bluegrass festival at the park.
“We’re expecting about 3,000 folks this week and more than 500 motor homes and campers,” said Rebecca Rose who, along with her family and their band, host the large event.
The festival began with a covered dish supper on Wednesday evening and will conclude with a worship service Sunday morning. The three days between those two has eight of the top bluegrass bands performing.
“We set aside time everyday for local and area artists to perform on our big stage with professional lighting and sound,” Rose added.
Her brother, Doug, is responsible for the huge sound system required and her dad, Allen Lanier, helps with managing the staff and park preparations.
Appearing on Friday and Saturday are Goldwing Express, The Bluegrass Brothers, Ralph Stanley II, Grassline, The Suggins Brothers, Danny Stanley and Bluegrass Gentlemen, and the host Lonesome Whistle Band.
The program runs from noon to 10 p.m. each day. The handicap accessible park has a full kitchen, on-site indoor flea market, playground, craft vendors, ample parking, clean restrooms, and many other amenities all in an alcohol and drug-free family-oriented atmosphere.
“We’re so pleased that each festival we have more and more visitors. Our success is in no small way because of our story being told in magazines and newspapers and bluegrass radio stations in Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, and the Carolinas are certainly a part of that, too,” said Allen Lanier.
“The support we receive from Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, Hospital Administrator Norma Jean Morgan, and Rick Lott at the Chamber of Commerce and their staffs is so important to helping us meet the needs of so many folks,” Lanier added.
“Our county commission, the Guyton mayor and city council, and the businesses and service providers in Guyton and all across the county make Effingham so appealing and friendly our visitors naturally want to come back.”
Daily adult tickets are $20; half price for ages 12-15; and, no charge under 12. The Park is located at 533 Old Louisville Road in Guyton. For more information call 772-5142 or 772-3467 or visit the Park at www.mossyoakmusicpark.com.
