2015 Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cook-Off

This past weekend, Farmer’s Branch Historical Park hosted the 2015 Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook-Off. The annual event is the brainchild of local Dallas bluegrass aficionado Alan Tompkins and is a cooperative event brought together by the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation and the City of Farmers Branch.

This year’s event was well-attended by thousands of Bluegrass fans. The weather Friday evening, October 16 and Saturday, October 17 proved to be perfect, featuring mild Fall temperatures under sunny blue skies. The entire atmosphere surrounding the event was fantastic. Bluegrass fans were not disappointed as great acts like Balsam Range, the Grascals, Hot Rize, Peter Rowan and Del McCoury took to the Main Stage. The night was capped off with a traditional country performance from Jacksonville, Texas native Lee Ann Womack.

There was lots to do, see and taste. The Chili Cook-Off offered a variety of categories and great prizes. The contest raised $1918 for the Friends of the Farmers Branch Historical Park and the Bluegrass Heritage Foundation. You can see who won this year here.

The Farmers Branch Historical Park offers a glimpse of 170 years of history amid 27 acres of lush grass with ample shady areas, great old buildings, including a log cabin, gazebo, and general store. A number of attendees brought their own instruments and jammed with other fellow Bluegrass musicians.