Photo by Mike McKinley

Fine weather, good music, and an enthusiastic crowd made for another excellent Santa Cruz Bluegrass Fair on Saturday. The raffle is a regular part of this event and helps pay the bills. We would like to thank the many sponsors who helped make it possible:

Sylvan Music who donated a Walden dreadnought guitar.

The Strawberry Music Festival, Parkfield Bluegrass Festival, Live Oak Music Festival, Bluegrass for the Greenbelt, and the Mountain Winery all donated festival or concert tickets.

Jayse Wines and Calera Wines, both of Hollister, donated bottles of wine.

Santa Cruz businesses Camouflage, OM Gallery, Coffee on the Go, Rapid Refill Ink, Jana Ashley, and Miss Jessie May’s Antiques all donated items or gift certificates.

Next time you visit one of these businesses, please let them know you appreciate their support for bluegrass music.

Future of Bluegrass (Photo: Daniella Irish)

The TV ad for the 2010 Santa Cruz Bluegrass Fair said, “Follow me to the Duck Pond!” The largest crowd in the 24-year-history of the event did just that yesterday under sunny blue skies, and were rewarded with great Northern California bluegrass music. Thanks to all the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society volunteers who made this fine afternoon happen!

The Down Beets (Photo: Daniella Irish)

The Harmony Grits, Down Beets, Family Hogwash, Faux Renwah, and Mountain Drive provided the onstage entertainment.

Bluegrass Fair dancers and Mountain Drive (Photo: Daniella Irish)

Mike McKinley, Daniella Irish, and Jessica Evans were the NCBS/SCBS leaders for the event.

The International Bluegrass Music Association has moved future celebrations of Worldwide Bluegrass Month from May to September, but the Santa Cruz Bluegrass Fair will continue to be held the first Saturday in May. See you next year and thanks for your support!

The Northern California Bluegrass Society/Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society is planning a big party for the (new) Bluegrass Month of September. Details soon on this website!

Come on down to the NCBS/SCBS Santa Cruz Bluegrass Fair!

Date & Time: Saturday, May 1, Noon-5:00pm.

Place: Duck Pond Stage, San Lorenzo Park, next to the courthouse in downtown Santa Cruz.

Cost: FREE.

Weather: Perfect: Sunny, High 69.

Bands: Harmony Grits, Down Beets, Faux Renwah, Mountain Drive, Family Hogwash.

Food & Drink: Available for purchase or bring your own. No alcohol, please.

Dogs: No.

Bring: Blanket or chairs for lawn seating.

Parking: On street, in downtown garages, or at the left side of the courthouse.

Raffle: Yes.

Complete Information About The Upcoming Bluegrass Season: Yes.

Directions: From Highway 17, continue on Ocean Street into Santa Cruz, past Water Street, then right into the Santa Cruz County Courthouse parking lot, to left of building, park and walk to Duck Pond. Alt: Park on the streets surrounding the park. Alt: Park in downtown Santa Cruz and cross the pedestrian bridge into the park. The Duck Pond Stage is behind the Bocce Ball courts.

Lovingly presented by your Santa Cruz Bluegrass Society for the past 24 years. And remember — All of your friends will be there.

The FREE NCBS/SCBS Santa Cruz Bluegrass Fair is THIS SATURDAY!