Popular Pickin’ in the Park set to take over Shelburne next week

Written By MARNI WALSH

Line dancing will no doubt be a popular new feature at Pickin' in the Park when the event kicks off on July 25. 

Taking place in Fiddle Park on the outskirts of town, the popular weekend of camping and music has been an annual event in Shelburne since 2013.

Also new this year, chair yoga, designed for seniors, but great for anyone, led by yoga expert Louise Marcoux Phillips. Patrons can also learn to play the ukulele with Linda McDougall, or fill one of the twenty spots available for flat-picking guitar lessons with Gordon Andrews of Utopia - call 519-217-2969 to book a spot.

The dream of Greg and Heather Holmes, Pickin' in the Park evolved from their love of country music and camping into a hugely successful, annual event. The retired couple, who ran Holmes Appliances and Music Store in Shelburne for many years, say, although they now spend much of the year on the road camping and in Florida during the winter, they “are still part of the community and will continue to work hard to make Fiddle Park a better place.”

Pickin' in the Park raised $5,000 in its inaugural year, and with each year the funds have doubled and accumulated. It was so successful, that with the help of the Town of Shelburne and local service clubs, the Holmes' were able to build a pavilion at the park, which is now available for the whole community. Greg Holmes believes the event will pay off the building costs of the pavilion this year, and they have plans in the works to add sides and a cement floor.

The Kinette Club will be serving food from the kitchen in the park during the event, and Saturday night the Shelburne Lions Club will host a Fish Fry - please RVSP online or call 519-217-8037. 

The Holmes' told the Free Press, there were close to 250 campers and over 1,000 people for Saturday's events in 2018, and they are expecting at least that many this year with good weather.  

It is a big job, but the Holmes say, “We have great friends and volunteers who love to help. The whole weekend is fun, from working tables and serving ice cream to meeting people.” Tickets are $25 for a weekend pass or $10 per day. Camping is $80 for the weekend.

Everyone is invited to join in the fun and “bring their musical instruments for a weekend of music and fellowship” Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28 at Fiddle Park, 515677  County Road 11 in Shelburne. 

Registration for camping starts at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. Greg Holmes and the Brewery Boys plus other special guests will begin the entertainment at 7 p.m. Thursday evening in the pavilion. 

For a complete list of admission prices and events, including Ice Cream Socials, Trailer Trash Yard Sale, Open Mic, main stage entertainers, and Sunday's Gospel Jam visit: pickinthepark.webs.com/whats-happening.