This year’s festival will feature the Alan Munde Gazette, according to Hope/Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mark Keith. Munde is known for his work with Country Gazette as well as his work with many other well-known bluegrass artists. The Alan Munde Gazette released their latest project “Made to Last” in January of this year. The CD has received favorable reviews in the bluegrass press.

Returning to Hope once again will be the Hartleys. The Arkadelphia-based family has been a big favorite of Hope audiences for the past several years. The group features Mr. and Mrs. Tom Hartley and five of their children.

Bluegrass veteran Ray Wingfield, of Texarkana, will front the group Ray Wingfield & Company. Wingfield is best known for his 20 year tenure with the popular Twice as Nice bluegrass band. Joining Wingfield will be Twice as Nice banjo picker Charlie Webb, of Hope.

The festival entertainment will be rounded out by High Mountain Grass of Magnolia and Hope’s own Hempstead County Melody Boys. Both groups are veterans of the Hope Bluegrass shows and have been active performing bluegrass in various venues across the ArkLaTex area.

The festival will feature a concession stand featuring charcoal-grilled hamburgers, as well as RC Colas, popcorn, and homemade baked goods.
The festival is free, although a donation box is set up for those who wish to support the bluegrass events.
More information is available by calling 870-777-3640, or by visiting