Bluegrass band The Boxcars entertained audiences at the Wheatland Music and Arts Festival this past weekend in Remus. — Daily News/Mike Taylor
REMUS — The population of Remus swelled by a factor of eight this weekend during the annual Wheatland Music and Arts Festival. From Friday until Sunday, traditional music and arts lovers from across the nation descended on the area to enjoy world class performances by some of the world’s best “roots” musicians.
Dancing played a big part in the festivities at the traditional music and arts festival. — Daily News/Mike Taylor
This marked the festival’s 40th anniversary and the musical lineup reflected this distinction. According to Wheatland public relations director Kim Croy, the lineup — lead by banjo master Bela Fleck — was one of the most impressive in years.
“It’s a beautiful weekend,” Croy said. “We have perfect weather and some awesome music.”
A commemorative book highlighting the festival’s past four decades was available and sold out quickly. Orders were accepted for additional printings, planned for the near future.
“Wheaties” had the enviable task of choosing between several musical options again this year, with several different stages and tents featuring live music running simultaneously throughout the weekend.
Cara Jackson, who says she has attended Wheatland for “nearly 30 years,” said she discovered the festival when she was only a teen, and now brings her own teenage daughter every year.
“It’s become kind of a family tradition,” Jackson said. “I can’t imagine a summer ending without Wheatland.”
Organizers estimate over 12,000 people attended this year’s event.
Impromptu concerts and jam sessions sprung up everywhere throughout the weekend at the Wheatland Music and Arts Festival. — Daily News/Mike Taylor