Despite changing faces – and sites – over the years, the 87^th annual Chester County Old Fiddlers’ Picnic represents a much-anticipated reunion of “fiddler” friends and music lovers that has flourished for decades.

Known originally as the Chester and Delaware Counties' Old Fiddlers, the popular gathering is credited to Samuel L. Anderson, a doctor from Concordville, who was assisted for years in coordinating the event by Chris Sanderson of Chadds Ford, a well-known teacher, musician, historian and collector.

The venues included Crystal Springs Park, outside Parkesburg, and Lenape Park, south of West Chester. When Lenape Park closed in 1980, Chester County Parks and Recreation offered to sponsor the picnic at Hibernia County Park, where it will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the first time, representatives from the Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford will have a role, and Susan Minarchi, the museum’s president, said she is looking forward to being part of the festivities.

“We will have a booth there and will have one of Chris' fiddles on display,” she said, stressing the importance for Sanderson of playing the fiddle. “It will be great to participate in an event that Chris enjoyed so much during his lifetime!”

Groups and individuals may register to play on the main stage beginning at 9 a.m. - solo acts are allotted 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes for groups. At 10 a.m., the Old Fiddlers’ House Band, Remington Riders, will take center stage, leading into a continually changing slate of individuals and groups who perform all day, a county press release said.

Visitors can stroll through the event grounds and listen to the blend of music heard amid Fiddlers’ Field. In the woodlands flanking the stage, musicians play traditional tunes using a variety of instruments and styles. Lawn chairs are encouraged. Canopies, tents and alcohol are not permitted. Instrument demonstrations, beginner jam sessions, and children’s activities are also planned, the release said.

The Old Fiddlers’ Picnic also features more than 25 vendors offering a variety of craft items and novelties, as well as food options, with menus ranging from BBQ and funnel cakes to smoothies. An ATM will be on site.

Wagon rides to the 19^th-century Hibernia Mansion will be offered throughout the day and the mansion will be open for tours beginning at 1 p.m. A $3 donation per person is requested.

Old Fiddlers’ souvenir shirts and hats will be available for purchase, and anyone performing on stage will receive a 2015 commemorative ribbon. The rain date for the event is Sunday, Aug. 9. Parking is $5 per car with no admission fee. Gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Hibernia County Park campgrounds must be reserved for both Friday and Saturday night during Old Fiddlers’ weekend. The fee is $15 per night with a maximum of six people and two tents per site. The person reserving the site must be one of the campers and at least 18 years old.

Hibernia County Park is located in Wagontown, four miles north of Coatesville off the Route 82 exit of the Route 30 Bypass.  Call 610-383-3812 or visit www.chesco.org/ccparks for more information.