Chester County Old Fiddlers’ Picnic marks 86th year
Event scheduled for Saturday, August 9that Hibernia County Park
On Saturday, August 9, 2014, from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Hibernia County Park will come alive as hundreds of musicians and music lovers gather to celebrate traditional music at the 86th annual Chester County Old Fiddlers’ Picnic. The rain date is Sunday, August 10. Parking is $5.00 per car; no admission fee. Gates open at 8:30 AM.
Beginning at 9:15 AM, groups and individuals may register to play on the main stage - solo acts are allotted 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes for groups. At 10:00 AM, 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.
Visitors can stroll through the event grounds and listen to the blend of music heard amidst 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.
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. Wagon rides to the 19th century Hibernia Mansion will be offered throughout the day and the Mansion will be open for tours beginning at 1:00 PM. A $3 donation per person is requested.
Instrument demonstrations, beginner jam sessions, and children’s activities are also planned.
Old Fiddlers’ souvenir shirts and hats will be available for purchase and anyone performing on stage will receive a 2014 commemorative ribbon.
Despite the changing site and faces, this reunion of “fiddler” friends and music lovers has flourished for decades. Known originally as the "Chester and Delaware Counties' Old Fiddlers’," the event was the idea of Mr. S. L. Anderson.
The Picnic, coordinated by Christian Sanderson, began at Crystal Springs Park, outside Parkesburg and later moved to Lenape Park, south of West Chester. When Lenape Park closed in 1980, Chester County Parks & Recreation offered to sponsor the Picnic at Hibernia County Park.
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 visitwww.chesco.org/ccparks for more information.
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