Bluegrass rockin' for 25 years

Frontiersman

The biggest outdoor party in Alaska turns 25 years old today, as the Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival takes center stage at noon.

The festival is the largest collection of music, camping and, yes, partying, in Alaska, as more than 1,500 people cram into the spots at Mile 102 Parks Hwy. for three days of fun.

&#8220We'll be rocking from noon to about 2:30 in the morning every day,” said Cora Moses, who helps organize the festival along with &#8220Dirty Ernie,” a local icon. &#8220It's still the best party in the state.

&#8220It's like a big family reunion, because no matter where you go in Alaska, somebody knows your brother, knows your sister, or heck, even dated your sister,” Moses said. &#8220People come here and bring their old stories and catch up with their friends.”

The festival has grown from a small gathering into a major event during the previous 24 years. While the festival has built a reputation as being a huge party, organizers have taken many steps during the last few years to make it more family-friendly.

There are special camping areas for families, and plenty of activities for the younger attendees.

&#8220We haven't lost our edge, but we've definitely broadened our base. We're appealing more to the baby boomers and their kiddos, and their kiddos' kiddos, than we did before,” Moses said. &#8220We've succeeded in making it more family-friendly. Anytime you have a statewide event that has such a long history, it's hard to change that reputation. But Alaska pays attention to what really happens instead of just perceptions, and they know we're more family-friendly.”

Moses pointed out that communities have worked together, law enforcement has worked with organizers and the borough has been much easier to deal with than in the past. She said that during the same weekend, there were less traffic violations in the area around the festival than in Fairbanks or Kenai.

While the festival has become more family-friendly, it certainly is still a rollicking good time. Billed as &#8220Dirty Ernie's Best Party Ever,” the festival this year includes national acts like The Amazing Rhythm Aces and The Motets. Alaska favorite Lulu Small is also performing, but that's hardly the end of the list - about 30 bands will play 20 hours a day, for three days. There's a wide range of acts representing all varieties of music, Moses said.

&#8220We try to embrace everybody,” Moses said. &#8220We're very diverse in our music selection.”

The festival begins at noon today and runs through 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $35, which is good for all three days and includes camping, showers and water. Food and beverage vendors are on scene throughout the festival. Karma Kontrol - the official security group - will once again be on hand to keep the peace.