Photo by Kevin Malella The Giving Tree Band will perform at the Shady Grove Fiddle Festival.

By KATHIE HEMPEL
Niles Daily Star

After 12 years of being a summer treat in Berrien Springs, the Shady Grove Fiddle Fest brings music and food to the Buchanan Common Aug. 25. For the 13th year, organizers have joined forces with Last Saturday in the Common to create a daylong, family-friendly event.

There will be music workshops on guitar, banjo and songwriting in Pear’s Mill. The main stage will host entertainers, including Nobody’s Darlin’ and Rigs and Jeels. The highlight of the day will be when The Giving Tree Band takes the stage at 8:30 p.m., following the announcement of the winner of the band contest.

Throughout the day, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Tin Shop, musicians of all ages and skill levels are invited to compete on banjo and mandolin. At approximately 11 a.m., the guitar competition will be held, followed at approximately 2 p.m. with the fiddle competition. The final band competition should begin around 6 p.m.

Local foods are cooked and for sale throughout the day. New to festival is the addition of a beer and wine area. The suds will be provided by Bare Hands Brewery out of Granger, Ind., and wine will be provided from local wineries.

Over the years, it has been found that this festival brings families and their communities together in friendly competition and sharing in grown and prepared foods. Festivalgoers shouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of foot-tapping and even some spontaneous dancing as the day progresses.

In the morning, the Buchanan Farm Market will offer something to satisfy the shopping bug. Cost is $2 to enter the contest venue.

For more information, visit the festival website at shadygrovefiddlefest.org for the schedule, contest rules, the festival guide and samplings of music.

In the spirit of farm festivals of earlier days, this event goes on rain or shine.