In 1977, Jim and I started the Free State Bluegrass Music Festival in Canton TX. and after many years of success had to stop promoting the festival to devote more time to our seven children. (YES SEVEN!)   This never dampened our love for Bluegrass and we never stopped attending the many great festivals all over the country.  We have gained so many wonderful friends in bluegrass over the years and with the love of introducing new people to the family of Bluegrass.  In 2003, we had the opportunity to once again promote the festival for the City of Canton, so with the help of many, along with our kids and grand-kids, we started once again to try to make the festival a success.

We quickly learned that age had thrown us a curve ball.  Then, in 2004 we met Allen and Betty Thompson, (the best friends anyone could have) and they fell in love with Bluegrass and all the great people associated with it.  Without them, I don't know if Jim and I could have continued.  We have learned that four older people can almost do the work of two younger ones.  HA!

The Free State Bluegrass Music Festival is all about great FAMILY entertainment and fun.  This festival, along with many others, is devoted to being a family event, a place where families can enjoy themselves, a place where children can ride bicycles and run and play, a place where old friends and new friends visit together in fellowship and enjoy great music.

We are dedicated to bringing new fresh talent to the area. We feel that by introducing new talent it will add freshness to our festival and be entertaining to a greater range of people, while still mixing some of the local bands we all love.

To all who have never attended a Bluegrass festival, we send you a special invitation.  A money back guarantee invitation that if you are not happy with the over all family environment and friendship of people, your money back.  Although we cannot guarantee you will like every band, we fell sure you will be hard pressed to find one you are really displeased with.

To all the Bluegrassers that have enjoyed the music, friendship and family entertainment all these years, we must reach out to bring younger people in to the Bluegrass family. Each of you need to devote yourself to bringing at least one new person a year to a Bluegrass Festival.  Hopefully this one!

We are working hard to have entertainment pleasing to all, along with many family fun events. If you have attended our festival we thank you and hope you will return year after year. If you have never attended our festival we hope you will this year.

Starting in 2009, the Bluegrass Festival will run Thursday through Saturday.  Check the schedule for dates. 

ALSO starting in February 2009, we will sponsor a Western Swing Festival the second weekend in February!  You can visit http://www.SwingCanton.com for more info - please be patient as we update and make plans to be there!

Call 903-567-0575 or cell #903-245-6300; we will be glad to help you with any questions you may have.

ALL SHOWS ARE INSIDE THE AIR CONDITIONED CIVIC

CENTER LOCATED ON THE FIRST MONDAY GROUNDS