About Us:

The Versailles State Park Bluegrass Festival began in 1988, as an effort by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to bring more people into the park in the Fall. Homer Pass, many will remember, was the promoter, hiring the bands, setting up the schedule, and keeping things moving at the festival. In addition to the bands, the Festival also had a Violin Contest for musicians of all ages. Sonny's Concession brought lemon shake-ups, fried apples and funnel cakes for the festival goers. The Little Red Wagon served sandwiches and home-cooked food. In 2002 the IDNR decided it would no longer run cultural events in the State Parks. Katherine Taul, Ripley County Tourism Director, was in the audience and decided the Festival should go on, so she arranged with IDNR to take over the festival. A committee was formed, sponsors were gathered, and the Festival continued. Rooster a.k.a. Larry Kersey, took control of getting the bands on stage, and Darla Westerfeld became the weekend's emcee. Boone's Redneck Cookin' Wagon joined the concessions with pork sandwiches, hot cider, and other treats. Shirts were designed and sold as a fundraiser for the Festival.     Jam sessions Friday night before the Festival, at the Welcome Center in Versailles, started in 2011, and grew quickly to standing room only. Change was in the musical wind in 2013, and a decision was made by the Ripley County Tourism Bureau Board to move the Festival to the Friendship Valley in 2014. Friendship Music Festival-Bluegrass in the Valley was born! Music, art and crafts, great food, and camping are coming together, with the help of some young, energetic friends to bring a great time to the Friendship Valley the first weekend of October 2014