Bluegrass music festival draws crowds to Centre Hall

CENTRE HALL — The 11th annual Remington Ryde Bluegrass Festival rolled into the Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall on July 5, bringing 20 bluegrass bands and a crowd of thousands to the town for five days.

According to event organizer Ryan Frankhouser, the festival has grown steadily from its beginning, and now draws people from about 20 states and some Canadian provinces. Originally held in Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville, it quickly outgrew that venue and moved to the more spacious Grange Fairgrounds. The festival acts perform on a covered portable stage, erected just west of the fairground’s grandstand, since the crowds of spectators are too large for the Grange facility.

Seated in lawn chairs, both in the open air and under several large circus-style shade tents, attendees watched and listened to the many acts, including headliner Rhonda Vincent. Vincent, a fifth-generation musician, began singing at age 8. She has had a stellar career, culminating with her being dubbed “The Queen of Bluegrass.”

In addition to the performances, the festival included music workshops, open jam sessions, raffles and many food and craft vendors.

In the vendor area, Ron and Jackie Malec, of Lititz, sold event T-shirts, hats and other souvenir items. Ron Malec designs the shirts and hats using his computer. The couple have been regular attendees of the bluegrass festival since its inception.