The Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 17th annual Free Bluegrass Festival Saturday May 18th at Historic Washington State Park. The Festival will be held around the 1874 Courthouse on the west side of the park. In case of rain the festival will move inside one of the park buildings.
The festival will begin at 10am and continue until approximately 8pm. The headline group will be Rounder Recording Artists “Blue Highway”. Also featured will be Eddie & Martha Adcock of Nashville, TN. Other groups include the Hartley Family of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, High Mountain Grass of Magnolia, Arkansas, and the Hempstead County Melody Boys of Hope. Each group will perform two sets.
Those attending should bring their lawn chairs. The Williams Tavern Restaurant will be open in the park. The park also has a gift shop which has cold drinks and snacks. Persons attending the Bluegrass Festival are reminded the city of Hope will hold the official dedication for the new AMTRAK stop in Hope on May 18th at 10am. For information visit hopearkansas.net.
For information on the Bluegrass Festival phone the Chamber at 870-777-3640.For information on the day of the show phone Mark Keith at 870-826-6737. For information about upcoming Bluegrass Festivals in Hope

phone 870-777-3640 or email hopemelonfest@yahoo.com.