Uncle Dave Macon Days 30th annual festival
Considered one of America’s premier summer festivals, the family-oriented event annually gathers more than 45,000 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. Additionally, the American Bus Association designated Uncle Dave Macon Days as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2005.
The festival was established to honor the memory of Uncle Dave Macon. Uncle Dave 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.
Uncle Dave Macon Days is one of the very few old-time music competitions in the country. A purse of more than $8,800 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.
‘Uncle Dave Macon Days is a long-standing Murfreesboro tradition providing families with a fun, fulfilling musical experience. It mirrors First Tennessee’s commitment to supporting music and arts throughout the state,’ said Charlie Myatt, First Tennessee’s Rutherford County president. ‘We are proud to be presenting sponsor of this exceptional event.’
On Saturday, July 14th, the coveted Heritage Award will be presented to Jesse McReynolds. The Heritage Award is a yearly honor presented to an individual dedicated to the preservation and advancement of old-time music and dance. McReynolds will serve as the Grand Marshal 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: heritage activities for children, mouth-watering local concessions, a juried arts and crafts show, a historic photo exhibit, a Sunday morning service, dinner on the grounds & Gospel Sing.
The celebration takes place in Cannonsburgh, an authentic pioneer village. Cannonsburgh Village is located at 312 South Front Street in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Murfreesboro is 30 minutes southeast of Nashville on Interstate 24. The village is home to more than 20 restored log structures and will feature living history demonstrations during the weekend. Visit a working blacksmith or join in with some old-fashioned shape-note singing in the little white church.
The fun starts at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 14 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 15. There is no admission charge. Free and paid parking is available. For more information write: Post Office Box 5016, Murfreesboro, TN 37133-5016 or call: 1-800-716-7560. Please visit our website at: www.uncledavemacondays.com