Granville Heritage Day is coming May 23, and with it will be The Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival & Old Time Fiddler’s National Championship.
The registration for competition is from 10-11:30 a.m., with competition beginning at 1 p.m.
There will be four ages of competition with cash awards in each. The Grand Champion will perform during a preshow performance for Pickin’on the Plaza outside Ryman Auditorium Along with musical competitions clogging will be performed by Evermean Evergreens and Tennessee Dance Alliance. The Borrowed Mules and Copper Canyon Bluegrass Bands will perform.
This year’s festival names Noah Goebel as the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Award Honoree.
Goebel is an accomplished 17-year-old fiddler from Elkton, KY.
Playing since age 8, he is the youngest-ever winner of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, winning two consecutive years at ages 13 and 14. Prior to that, he won multiple instrument categories in the National Country Music Beginner Musicians Championship, including the James G. “Bobo” Driver National Beginner Fiddle Award.
In 2021, at age 12, he was honored with the Entertainer of the Year award at Smithville.
Goebel has won state fiddle championships in both Tennessee and Georgia, as well as multiple state titles in both banjo and mandolin. At 17, he has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry 12 times, several of which were alongside artists like Dailey & Vincent and Wyatt Ellis.
Currently, Goebel tours with mandolin virtuoso Wyatt Ellis. With multiple No. 1 hits on the bluegrass charts, the band tours across the U.S. and, more recently, internationally, including performances in both Canada and Ireland.
The Uncle Jimmy Thompson Award recognizes and honors Goebel for his dedication to excellence in continuing the tradition of old-time fiddle and bluegrass music.
The Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by Bates Ford and Wildwood Resort & Marina.
Along with music competitions, the festival will feature America 250-themed history attractions, antique car show, antique tractor and engine show, museum exhibits including the Home Runs & Home Teams baseball exhibit, artisan demonstrations, self-guided tours, food and family-oriented fun.
Entry to the festival is $7 per person, with family discounts available. Parking is $5.
Go to www.granvilletn.com for more information.