The Walnut Valley Festival: A Celebration of Music and Family

The Walnut Valley Festival held in Winfield, Kansas may be relatively unknown for most of the year, but during the festival week, it becomes a major attraction. Now in its 51st year, the festival draws approximately 10,000 spectators from all over the world, united their love for bluegrass music and a sense of community.

Larry Junker, a longtime contributor to the WVA Voice newsletter, describes the festival as a gathering of people from different states and even countries who have formed lasting friendships over the years. For them, the festival is a cherished occasion to reunite and make music together.

The festival encompasses various spaces, with the grandstand hosting the renowned acts. However, it is the Pecan Grove that stands out as the most unique attraction. The Grove is filled with campsites, each with its own distinct name, such as Brigadoon, Camp Overalls, and Geezers of Anarchy. Among the campers, music fills the air as people gather to strum guitars, play mandolins, and enjoy the communal experience.

In addition to the performances, the festival also provides a platform for instrument companies to showcase and sell their products. One such company is McSpadden Dulcimers, based in Mountain View, Arkansas. They have been sponsoring the National Dulcimer Championship for four decades. Tim Grothen, the owner of McSpadden, left his family farm in Nebraska to take over the company and continue its legacy.

At the heart of the Walnut Valley Festival, the music and the sense of family are what keep people returning year after year. The camaraderie shared among attendees has created a festival family that spans across generations.

Overall, the Walnut Valley Festival serves as a celebration of music, friendship, and community. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together from all corners of the world.

Sources:
– WVA Voice newsletter
– McSpadden Dulcimers