26th Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days: Music festival fiddles into Murfreesboro
The festival was established to honor the memory of Uncle Dave Macon. He was born in Smartt Station, lived near Murfreesboro and is considered one of the first Grand Ole Opry superstars. A master banjo player and performer, he died in 1952 and was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.
Considered one of America’s premier summer festivals, the family-oriented event annually gathers more than 40,000 people to Murfreesboro for a hearty helping of fun, southern style. It was selected by the Atlanta-based Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast in July, 2003. Additionally, the American Bus Association designated Uncle Dave Macon Days as one of the Top 100 events in North America or 2003.
Uncle Dave Macon Days is one of the very few old-time music competitions in the country. A purse of more than $6,100 is at stake during Friday and Saturday’s highly charged music and dance competitions. In 1986 the United States House of representatives proclaimed these competitions to be the National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Clogging and Old-Time Buckdancing.
On Saturday the coveted Heritage Award will be presented to the most legendary performers of old-time music. This award is a yearly honor presented to an individual dedicated to the preservation and advancement of old-time music and dance. Festival directors have chosen one of the most legendary women of the country music industry, Kitty Wells and her husband Johnnie Wright. They will also serve as the Grand Marshals of the Motorless Parade that travels down East Main Street in Murfreesboro on Saturday morning.
Other family-oriented events taking place throughout the festival include:
• A Sunday afternoon gospel sing on July 13
• A juried arts and crafts show
• A historic photo exhibit
• Heritage activities for children
• Mouth-watering local concessions
Take I-24 to Murfreesboro, Exit 78. Proceed toward Murfreesboro on Old Fort Parkway and turn right on Broad Street. The festival is located at Cannonsburgh Village on the right. Ample free parking is available on the left side of Broad.