Kelly Augustine, Executive Vice President
936-560-5533; business@nactx.com
Let’s get pickin’ at the Texas Blueberry Festival
by Kyla Guess, Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce intern
Pickin’ on the Square at the Texas Blueberry Festival is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Find groups in two locations, City Council Chambers at City Hall (pictured) and the community room at Regions Bank. The event is open to all who would like to join with an instrument or to take a seat, enjoy the music and rest in the air-conditioned venues for a cool-down break during the festival day!
(Photo by Scott Waller)
“Pickin’ on the Square is an informal setting where musicians can gather and just enjoy playing music, for the sheer enjoyment of playing together,” said Scott Waller, past chairman of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
The unique set up and environment of Pickin’ on the Square makes for a relaxing getaway for blueberry festival goers to take a break from the outside activities of the day and go into air-conditioned comfort.
“It has a very different setting from what most people would experience when they go to a concert,” Waller said. “At Pickin’ on the Square musicians usually pull up chairs in a circle and just play together for the enjoyment of music.”
People can expect to hear a lot of different styles of music and are encouraged to bring their instruments to join in the jam session.
Musicians at the event “make up things as they go,” Waller said. “They take turns picking songs that they are going to play and sing to.”
One of the styles of music that is highlighted throughout is old-time folk music.
The Pickin’ on the Square event is an extension of the Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park. The bluegrass concert is held in Festival Park on the Friday before the festival and has been a staple in the Texas Blueberry Festival weekend.
“We started the bluegrass concert with about 500 people the first year and have grown to over 4,000 attendees last year. Bluegrass music fits Nacogdoches, and we’re looking forward to a whole weekend of it,” Waller said.
Bring family and friends to come enjoy a relaxing blueberry musical experience!
Go to www.TexasBlueberryFestival.com, the official website for more information. All registration forms and event details can be found there, or call 936-560-5533.
Pickin’ on the Square is an event of the Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Tipton Ford-Lincoln. The festival is produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.
