Bluegrass reprise
The 33rd annual Missouri River Bluegrass Festival drew an enthusiastic gathering this past weekend at Cross Ranch State Park. Held along the Missouri River and surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, the festival brought together local residents, visiting music lovers and families for a celebration of bluegrass music, community and tradition.
On a drizzly and cool Friday evening, June 13, the festival welcomed fans with performances by Flatt Mountain Drive, Kohlrabi Soup, the Waddington Brothers and the Kenny & Amanda Smith Band. Local volunteers took on cooking duties amid improving weather, and children were seen playing and dancing during every set. The event maintained a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend.
During their performance, the Waddington Brothers recounted fond memories of their early days at the festival. The group, whose history spans generations, described their beginnings playing alongside their parents and noted that even as the family lineup evolved, the bluegrass torch is kept alight. Their second-to-last song, a rousing spiritual tune, was met with a standing ovation from an appreciative audience.
