Revenues were declining.

A board member said “We need to raise $250,000 to stay in business.”

Another board member said “How about a music festival.”

Yet another said “How about bluegrass music.”

Cyndy was overjoyed.

So they put her in charge of pulling it off.

And it came to pass that the Clark County Park District planned a bluegrass festival for August 7.

Cyndy [Jividen] wrote to Dolly Parton.   Her publicist sent a polite rejection.  A few days later, she got a call from Parton’s personal manager.  “Dolly has read your letter, and it touched her,” he said.  “She is not available that day, but perhaps we could send you some items that you could raffle off.”

Cyndy then got the nerve to call other country performers.  Ricky Skaggs.  Reba McIntire.  Loretta Lynn.  They all sent autographed CD’s or photos to be sold at auction.  “I’m amazed at how nice these people are,” said Jividen.

Then came the day of the festival.

And the people came.  Several hundred of them.

Six bands, five of whom performed at no charge and the sixth performed at a fraction of their regular rate, played bluegrass music at George Rogers Clark Park from 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM.

Performing were area bands like Miami Valley’s Most Wanted, Homebound, Ramblin Rose, North & South Band, Country Grass and Shades of Blue.  The headliner was the Dry Branch Fire Squad.

“I’m pleased with the turnout,” said Tim DeVore, Secretary of the Park District Board.  “And we’re pleased with the number of volunteers that are here to help today.”

The Park District has scheduled two more festivals this year.  A Celtic festival will be held August 20, and a Dixieland & Jazz festival is scheduled for September 25.

All of the festivals raise money to operate the Clark County Park District parks, including George Rogers Clark Park, Estelle Wenrick Wetlands, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, among others.

To donate to the operation of our parks or to volunteer, call the district office at 882-6000.

“We always have room for more volunteers,” said Jividen.