July 6 – 9, 2017

I attended the High Mountain Hay Fever bluegrass festival in Westcliffe, CO for the first time in July of 2009 and fell in love with the festival and the lovely town of Westcliffe.  Now it is a highlight of my summer and I eagerly anticipate festival time.

There are several factors that make this a great festival.  First, of course is the high quality of the performers.  Then there is the jaw dropping setting in the Wet Mountain Valley at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains!

Third is the friendliness of all the volunteer staff, the local townspeople and the attendees who come from all over the country.  Another nice touch is the festival is promoted by a non profit group with all volunteer staff from the community.  All proceeds go back into the local community to fund the medical clinic and other causes.

This year I was looking forward to camping in my own camper at the festival grounds.  Dry camping is available from Thursday morning to Monday morning at a cost of $20.  Great deal!

Over the years a group of friends has established a tradition of getting up in the wee hours of the morning to line up so we can get front row seats.  So far we have been mostly successful.  All part of the fun!

There were some great performers this year including The Kenny and Amanda Smith Band, Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys, and Jim Gaudet and the Railroad Boys.

It was a great four days – lots of good music and catching up with festival friends and making new ones.  After the final performance by Sons and Brothers closes the festival it’s a little sad to say good bye to everyone for another year.

Next year in Westcliffe – July 12-15, 2018!