Hello Tim,
I live in Maryland and I have been going to Ralph Stanley's festivals almost
from the very beginning in the '70's. The area has changed a lot since then.
The roads have improved, but they are steep and winding. It is in very
mountainous country where there are a lot of coal mines. If you have ever
read books about Appalachia, that's what you can expect. Beautiful, but
isolated and less prosperous than other regions of the country.
There is a stage on higher ground now. It used to be down at the bottom of a
steep hill, but when it got muddy you would slip and slide. Now there is a
covered shelter where you can set up your lawn chair. Everyone won't fit
under the shelter, so you may have to sit out in the sun or rain if you don't
get there early. The music area has a chain link fence around it. I doubt
if the area will hold everyone this year unless they have enlarged it.
There are food vendors and other vendors outside the music area. It seems to
me like I had to wait in line a long time to buy food. It's best to bring
some water and snacks at least, because you won't want to get up and leave
the music area once it gets started. Then during the break everyone tries to
get in line for food all at the same time. Tell some of those nice people
with the big motor homes that you are from London. I'm sure you will make
friends that way, and maybe get some home cooking too!
I pulled up some directions on Mapquest from Wise to McClure. The fastest
route is 31.61 miles and it takes 1 hour, 36 minutes. The shortest route is
25.96 miles and it takes 1 hour, 44 minutes. That should tell you how
winding and steep the roads are. After you get to McClure, you still have to
go up to the top of the mountain where the festival is located. I couldn't
believe it the first time I went there. You go round and round the mountains
and there are steep drop offs on the sides of the roads. Back then the roads
were mostly rocks, dirt and ruts, but they are better now. Just be careful.
The people who live there are used to it. You see a lot of big coal trucks
going fast, so I try to keep out of their way.
The festival usually starts about 10 a.m. I think. It runs until around
midnight. Then some people stay up all night and play music out in the
fields. Up on a hill is the family cemetery where Carter Stanley is buried.
He has a beautiful tombstone and you can hear his music playing when you
visit the grave.
I have never been to London, but I'm sure it is a big city. If you are not
used to going to rural, isolated, mountainous areas, it might be a culture
shock for you. The weather ranges from cool and rainy, to hot and sunny,
sometimes on the same day. At night it gets pretty cool at this time of the
year.
I hope you and your cousin have a great time at the festival. I hope the
weather is good because there will probably be a big crowd this year.
Sincerely,
Sue S.
Bluegrass Bulletin Board brought to you by the fan club of
Dr Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys
subscribe or unsubscribe at http://drralphstanley.com/
