Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival

I was pleasantly surprised to happen upon this little "Americana" music festival about an hour north of Columbus, in Mount Vernon. Street parking was easy to find, so it was a quick two-block walk to the grassy, public sqaure where the main stage and most of the arts and crafts vendors were located.

We found a handful of food stalls with all the usual fair foods, but most of the restaurants were open, so that provided a few more substantial dining options (and proper restrooms).  Smaller stages, vendors and community organizations were positioned along the side streets.  The Knox County Quilt Show was being held in the nearby YMCA.  It was an exhibition of amazing, artistic textiles and worth the $2 admission fee.

I can't say this was a most fabulous festival, but it has been going on for 21 years in commemoration of the 19th century, local musician, Daniel Emmett.  What I found particularly interesting were the variety of competitions held in his honor for banjo, fiddling and flat picking. People brought chairs and blankets to watch the contestants pickin' and a grinnin' for the grand prize of $50.

I wouldn't attend the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival with high expectations. It is a very humble music festival, but I really liked it...