After nine years, eight music festivals, and over half a million dollars raised for the Town of Argyle and area organizations, the Argyle Bluegrass Festival announced Tuesday that it will cease operations.
“The festival’s mission has always been to provide the best in bluegrass music to our fans and we fulfilled that mission beyond our wildest expectations,” said Executive Director Jackie Thomas.
In 2003, then Mayor Richard Tucker and his wife, Valerie, wanted to initiate a community, family-oriented event in Argyle. Inspired by the Overton Bluegrass Festival, they recruited community members to organize the first Argyle Bluegrass Festival. The first event was held in 2004 and grew to be known as one of the best bluegrass festivals in the Southwest and the nation
“On the stage of our gracious host, Cross Timbers Community Church, we featured Grammy winners, IBMA award winners, Dove award winners, bluegrass legends and up-and-coming talent,” said Thomas.
In addition to the music, the organization existed to support parkland acquisition, fund scholarship granting organizations and support school and Argyle Chamber of Commerce activities.
“We are proud to have been the vehicle that has allowed numerous organizations to raise thousands of dollars for their own causes,” said Thomas.
In a press release, Thomas thanked Cross Timbers Community Church, Liberty Christian School, Argyle United Methodist Church and Faith Harvest Church for providing facilities and support to the festival over the years.
“Thank you to our founders, our fans, our bands, our sponsors, and especially, our volunteers. We were successful because you faithfully supported us from the outset,” said Thomas. “Thanks to each of you for giving us the privilege of bringing quality bluegrass music to Argyle, Texas.”
Thomas said that the Argyle Bluegrass Festival’s final act will be to invest in the future of bluegrass by distributing the organization’s remaining assets to The Foundation for Bluegrass Music’s youth programs.
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