Baldcypress Bluegrass Festival in Frankford, Del. Slated for May 21

Five bands, six hours of music, crafts brews, food trucks, tours of the Great Cypress Swamp and a chance to benefit the Delaware Wild Lands Inc.

On Saturday, May 21 at 12 p.m., Delaware Wild Lands Inc. asks you to join them at the Roman Fisher Farm at the Great Cypress Swamp for a day of entertainment and education.

According to Development & Marketing Manager at Delaware Wild Lands, Inc., Wendy Scott, the Baldcypress Bluegrass Festival was last held in fall 2014 but this year it will be larger, it will include more activities, food trucks, vendors and more.

Headlining the Baldcypress Bluegrass Festival is Grammy-nominated musician, Courtney Hartman, guitarist and vocalist for the all-female foursome, Della Mae. Other bands ‘jammin’ all day’ include Kindred Spirits, Saltwater Stringband, Flatland Drive, and a group formed for this festival called New and Spare Fools (featuring Mickey Justice and Todd Smith of Such Fools, Jon Simmons and Martin Wirtz of New and Used Bluegrass, and Wes Parks of No Spare Time.)

Courtney Hartman (Photo: CourtneyHartman.com)

Food trucks for the event include Mr. Bar-B-Que, BK Catering, Vinnie’s Pizza Truck, and ice cream for dessert from Vanderwende Farm Creamery, as well as local craft beer sponsored by Crooked Hammock and Dogfish Head Brewery.

Scott calls the event a community celebration. In addition to the music, festival activities, vendors and tours, guests can jump on a guided bus tour looping through the Great Cypress Swamp and learn about the unusual ecosystem through local experts.

The Great Cypress Swamp is the largest contiguous forest on the Delmarva Peninsula. Delaware Wild Lands Inc. owns almost 11,000 acres of the Great Cyprus Swamp and their main focus is to protect it.

“Because of the nature of the habitat, we are trying to make it prime habitat—improve the water quality and bring back species that don’t have a large population there anymore.”

Scott says this event creates an opportunity for the public to learn more about Delaware Wild Lands Inc.’s mission as an organization while having fun.

Tickets for adults are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate. Children ages 5–17 are $10. Kids under 5 are free. Tickets can be purchased online. To learn more about the The Baldcypress Bluegrass Festival, visit www.facebook.com/events/749679725175620.