There were many firsts for Virginia at MerleFest. Once we arrived and found a parking space, we hopped on the bus that was to shuttle us to the Wilkesboro Community College campus where the festival was going on. This was Virginia's first bus ride. She loved being able to sit on my lap and look out the window.
Our bus driver was very nice, but the funny part was listening in on the bus driver's conversation with another volunteer on the bus. The bus driver was asking the man if he heard that the Grand Dragon had problems with the WTA, another bus system driving people around from the festival. The Grand Dragon is a leader of the KKK. This is not the kind of conversation you expect to hear on your way to a music festival.
After we picked up our tickets at the will call window and had all our bags checked we made it to the Americana Stage. My eyes were amazed at how many people were walking around and covering all the grassy areas. We managed to find a nice spot in the middle. We laid out our blanket and set up our chairs. The Kruger Brothers were performing on the stage. Reiggin is really the huge bluegrass and folk music fan. I still have my training wheels on. The Kruger Brothers were really good. Virginia got out of her stroller and enjoyed the music with us, dancing and clapping along with the crowd.
It was very hot the first day and luckily we had our sunscreen and water. I do wish I had a hat. You know how pale this mommy is. My tan is slowly making a appearance after a long dormant state.
The campus was lovely. After listening to The Kruger Brothers for awhile, we walked around and checked out the campus and all the vendors. There was also a playground in the middle of the campus. We made a pit stop and let Virginia play around on the slides and swings.
We continued walking around and listening to all the bands playing. There were also smaller tents where groups of people were playing their mandolins and other instruments. They even had a small stage where young musicians were playing their music. There was a little bit of everything to enjoy.
We grabbed some cheeseburgers and found a spot near the main stage to get ready to hear Dierks Bentley. Virginia had another first and got to eat her first snow cone. This was one of the many ways we kept her entertained and peaceful. By this time, it was getting late and close to her bedtime. But one of the main things I was looking forward to was hearing Dierks Bentley. So I bribed Virginia and begged her to hold out until I at least got to hear a few songs by Dierks Bentley. She made it though about three songs and then we had to pack up and head home. I guess a 19 month old little girl has more power than the hotness that is Dierks Bentley.
Overall the day was great and I enjoyed all the music and the time I got to spend with my family. I can't wait to see what Day 2 of MerleFest brings.
2 comments:
looks like fun!! Dierks Bently was there!! Awesome. We rode the bikes past the site today and it looked like another big crowd.
Oh it was a huge crowd and it was so hot! But it was well worth getting to see The Avett Brothers! We had a blast, I will have to blog about day 2 and 3 soon!
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