Fayetteville's Bluegrass Festival set forApril 18-20

Excitement is mounting as the tiny town of Fayetteville prepares to host its inaugural Bluegrass Music Festival and Grand Jam.

The celebration is scheduled for April 18-20 and will kick off the opening season of the Fayette County community's new music venue, Texas Pickin' Park, on the city's courthouse square.

Five award-winning bands will perform bluegrass music.

The music line-up includes The Lone Star Bluegrass Band, No Strings Attached, The Blue River Band, The Blue Creek Gospel Band and the Buffalo Nickel Band.

Free workshops will be available on the banjo, mandolin, dobro and harmonica.

A wide variety of merchandise ranging from butterflies to bullwhips will be found in the more than 50 specialty booths on the courthouse square.

For kids, there will be a trick roping demonstration on Sunday afternoon by world champion bullwhipper and entertainer Robert Duke.

Acoustic musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in the jam session.

The festival is free and open to the public. For a festival schedule, designated parking areas, shuttle bus stops, lodging and RV info and/or a map of how to get around Fayetteville during the festival, visit the Texas Pickin'' Park Web site at www.texaspickinpark.com.