Bluegrass music and singing has existed in and around the
Belk Alabama community for many years. This took place at homecomings, revival
services, and the first community center located at the old middle school that
has since been closed. Under the direction and leadership of the Belk Mayor,
Ronald Waldrop, a new and modern community center was completed in July 2004.
The new community center has nice restrooms, a weight workout room, a very roomy
kitchen with dinning area and a large auditorium equipped with a good P/A
system.
Vaughn Simmons, a long time bluegrass singer and
musician, requested and received permission from the town council to hold a
night of Bluegrass music and singing in the new community center facility. The
response was overwhelming and Vaughn established the 2nd Friday night of each
month as Bluegrass night at the center which has been running since July 9,
2004. There has never been a charge to attend the bluegrass night however
donations are accepted to pay the rental time for use of the auditorium. The
local town people began bringing in food for the visitors on the 2nd Friday
nights and donations are accepted to help pay off a loan taken out to pay the
balance on the building. Visitors look forward to that night for some of the
best home made soups, chili, sandwiches, cakes and pies you could find anywhere
and some of the best bluegrass music and singing.
In 2006 Ronald Waldrop presented a proposal to the town
council to hold a bluegrass festival at the town park on which the community
center is located. He was given the to "OK" and he began asking for volunteers
to help put on the blue grass festival. Vaughn Simmons and J.B. Taylor (another
bluegrass singer and musician) had attended many bluegrass festivals around the
country. Their input and suggestions were put into place by commities and hard
working community people. The first annual Belk Bluegrass festival was held
April 2007. James Monroe, son of the father of bluegrass Bill Monroe, and the
Midnight Ramblers performed along with six other outstanding bands. Visitors
attending the festival could not believe it was the first festival as it was run
so well by the community volunteers. Wayne Gilreath became the coordinator for
the 2nd annual festival held in April 2008. It proved to be even better with
outstanding music, singing, and some great southern cooking and a great crowd.
Wayne has put together another outstanding line up of six great bands and
entertainers for the 6th Annual Belk Bluegrass Festival to be held on April 27th
and 28th, 2012.