Carl Junction Chamber to take over Bluegrass Festival

(From the Carl Junction Chamber of Commerce)

The Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that it has entered into agreement with the City of Carl Junction, to take over management and production of the annual Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival. The Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival is the region's longest running bluegrass music festival. 

The annual Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival was first conceived by the late Jim Wisdom, former mayor of Carl Junction. Wisdom's dream was to hold a family-friendly event in what he deemed "Carl Junction's hidden gem", Center Creek Park. With the help of long-time organizers Pat Smith and Randy Corbin, Wisdom’s dream has delighted tens of thousands attendees in the festival's sixteen year history. 

Citing the economic impact of the annual festival, City of Carl Junction officials have stated that the importance of the annual Bluegrass Festival cannot be understated. The population of the city doubles during the one day event, as thousands flow into Carl Junction for the festival. The festival serves as the city's largest tourism-oriented event, providing significant impact on the city's restaurants, convenience stores and retail shops.

City Administrator, Steve Lawver, stated "City Council has recognized the significance of the annual Bluegrass Festival, and it's economic impact to our community. The City has an existing contract with the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to provide economic development services. The Bluegrass Festival agreement will be an extension of that existing contract. The Chamber has a proven track record for producing successful events. The City believes that the Bluegrass Festival is being put in the most capable hands to continue it's success".

Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Gary Stubblefield, stated "The opportunity for our Chamber to play a part in our City's most important tourism event is an honor. Our board of directors unanimously approved this agreement with the city. We see great opportunities for growth with the festival. We are humbled by the City's faith in our abilities and excited to give our resident's a festival that would make Jim Wisdom proud".

The 17th Annual Carl Junction Bluegrass Festival will be held Saturday, September 

27. Vendor booth space and festival sponsorships are now being booked. Please contact the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, at 417-649-8846.