Overview

Pickin' on the Plains began in 1995 with a goal to introduce bluegrass music to Northwest Kansas. Originally held at Bourquin's Campground, the festival was relocated to the Thomas County Fairgrounds in 2003. Now one of the premier music events in the tri-state area, the festival boasts top-notch bluegrass, folk, old-time country and western swing music in a relaxing, family atmosphere.

Improvements

Each year, the Colby Bluegrass Committee has made improvements to the festival. One of the most obvious and greatest assets has been the construction of our "dome" a huge canopy (over 4000 square feet) which provides shade for and UV protection for the audience. Water misters near the canopy provide a type of "outdoor air-conditioning", keeping the temperature under the canopy quite comfortable (10 to 15 degrees lower than in the sun) and supplying young festival attendees as additional source of splashing enjoyment.

In case of inclement weather, an indoor back-up location is available on site so the festival can be held rain or shine.

Full-service camping and electric hookups are available on site, along with unlimited dry camping.

In 2007, at the initiative of the bluegrass committee, a row of locust trees were planted by David Pabst and were a generous donation by the Colby Tree Board. The trees add to the ambiance of the festival in addition to providing much appreciated shade!

A goal of the Colby Bluegrass Committee is to provide a diverse assortment of the very best of regional bands in order to provide something for everyone. In 2005, our vision expanded to include national bluegrass acts in order to keep improving the quality of the festival.

Favorite Events at the Festival

A pre-festival potluck and jam session takes place every year on the Thursday evening prior to the festival and begins at 6:30 p.m. It is FREE and is open to the public--no wristband is needed to attend. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish; table service and drinks are provided. Jamming takes place after the festival and everyone is encouraged to participate. There are several different jam sessions which feature country, western swing, jazz, blues, folk and bluegrass music.

The youth contest is another favorite event and is held every year on the Saturday of the festival at 9:30 a.m. under the canopy. See the "Youth Contest" tab for complete details.

Horse-drawn wagon rides and "make and take" crafts are available for the kids and are free with admission to the festival.

A gospel sing-a-long and cowboy church have always been a premier draw on Sunday morning. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. under the canopy. Members of the different bands play together on gospel tunes while the audience joins together in song. A brief faith message is also shared.

Jamming takes place around the campsites during the day and especially after the shows at night. Often, you'll see a small group of folks sitting in a circle, trading "licks" and secrets on their respective instruments. The greatest thing about bluegrass musicians is how willing they are to help others interested in playing an instrument to get started, or to improve. It seems like a common goal to pass on the tradition and keep the music alive. Family bands are prominent in the genre and different families enjoy playing together. Jams are also the place to hear the very BEST "picking"--musicians and fans alike continue to make new friends as the bluegrass circle keeps expanding. For the musicians, running into old friends and playing with new ones at the jams provides a continuous energy and leads to everyone inspiring each other to try something new; this makes for the very best in picking and fellowship! Non-pickers are welcome and encouraged to pull up a lawn chair and share in the fun! Having happy circle of friends gathered 'round encourages the musicians even more!