The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum brought beer, bluegrass, craft vendors and food trucks together this weekend for the first-ever ROMPtober Weekend. The two-day event took place at downtown Owensboro's Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum on Friday and Saturday and was presented by the Moore Automotive Team.
"We wanted a way to bring in more bluegrass music while the weather is cooler and more enjoyable," said Deb Fillman, the interim director of the venue. "And we couldn't ask for better weather this weekend."
Fillman said that the turnout for the weekend of events has been good, but "we always hope for better, of course."
"I think the school systems having fall break this week contributed some to the numbers," she said.
Fillman said that the two-day festival-like program was introduced as a way to keep bluegrass music on the minds of the community all year long, not just when it's time for the summer's ROMP music festival.
"We want people to think of bluegrass all of the time and not just during ROMP season. And, plus, when we do a two-day weekend event like this, we can entice visitors from out of town," she explained.
Fillman said that she receives feedback from folks traveling into the area discussing how much they enjoy visiting Owensboro and staying in the community.
"It seems to be the consensus that once we get them here, they really love it," she said.
Manny and Jamie Williams can agree with that statement. The couple ventured into Owensboro from out west, the Arizona and Nevada region, because Jamie traveled here for a three-month work contract.
"I'm really loving Owensboro," Jamie Williams said. "It's a lot larger than we originally expected. I realized that you guys have so many things and opportunities here."
Manny Williams said that he was enjoying listening to the bluegrass music because "it reminds me of what I listened to growing up with my parents."
Manny Williams also said that he was impressed by the younger age musical acts taking the stage during the festival.
"I'm impressed with the talent these acts are displaying and that they are keeping the music alive for the younger generations," he said. "That's really impressive."
Ed and Shana Champion from Maceo also came out to listen to bluegrass music and support local community events.
"We just really love bluegrass," Shana Champion said. "We've attended ROMP for several years, so we welcome the opportunity to get to listen to more bluegrass music."
"Plus, it's a great thing to continue to support our local festival and event scene to make sure these opportunities continue in our community," Ed Champion added.
The couple sat at a picnic table, enjoying the music and weather, on the lawn near the outdoor event stage located near the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
In addition to bluegrass music from bands such as The Sullivan Sisters, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle and Damn Tall Buildings, those attending the festival could also participate in workshops and a jam session hosted by the museum's education director, Randy Lanham. Workshop topics included learning about craft beer making and bourbon infusions. Friday night even welcomed a craft beer tasting, along with a documentary viewing.
Craft vendors lined the perimeter of the concert area near the museum.
Windows by BAGS, a craft vendor showcasing unique glass artwork constructed by three Ohio County sisters, was one of the vendors onsite for the festival.
"We love bluegrass and think of Owensboro as part of our community as well, so why not come out and support such a great event," said Rebecca Baird, one of the vendor's creators.
Baird said that she and her sisters have been bringing their unique glass artwork to local events and festivals for around two years.
"People ask us what to call this and we just really don't know what to call it. It's not exactly stained glass," she explained gesturing to the glass-framed windows which were decorated with glass artwork depicting beautiful landscape scenery.
"It's like an out-of-control art therapy hobby," her sister chimed in.
The sisters said that they were happy to attend the event and that they were seeing a lot of interest in their pieces of art.
Andy Shoemaker, founder of Medieval Man Studio which crafts pieces of art and decor out of scrap metal that would otherwise be thrown in the garbage, said that he came out to showcase his artwork and listen to some great music.
"It's a great day with great weather. We couldn't ask for anything better," he said. "I thought I'd come out to help support the community and maybe sell a couple of my pieces."
Fillman said that the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is gearing up for several other events in the coming months including an East Nash Grass Halloween party on Nov. 1, welcoming the Andrew Marlin String Band on Nov. 16 and another two-day event celebrating the Jerry Garcia bluegrass journey towards the end of November. Open bluegrass music jams are also offered from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, which are free and open to the general public.
More information about the upcoming museum events and activities, as well as an opportunity to purchase tickets, can be found on the organization's website at bluegrasshall.org.