Putnam County’s own Ridgetop from Red House performed at Pickin’ in the Park. (Photo by Betsy Allen)

The sounds of banjos and guitars could be heard at Valley Park during the Pickin’ in the Park bluegrass festival held on Saturday, July 23. A stage was set up on the green between the convention center and the Putnam Commons building, allowing the featured artists to have a central location for their performances.

Featured groups included Buckhannon Ridge of Upshire County, Ridgetop from Red House, and the Putnam Family from Glenville. The headliner was Johnny Staats and the Delivery Boys from Sandyville. Staats, a multitalented musician who plays the mandolin, guitar and violin, has performed multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, as well appearing on NBC, CNN, and other national television networks. The Southern Stompers clogging group from Lincoln County also performed at the festival, entertaining the audience with their lively dancing.

This is the first time that there has ever been a bluegrass concert at Valley Park. “We wanted to bring something to the park,” said Justin Williams, park director. “Hopefully it takes off and we can do this year after year.”