Four days of Pickin’ in the Park coming to Shelburne

Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Country music fans from across Ontario and beyond will once again make their way to the Shelburne Fairgrounds later this month as Pickin in the Park returns for another four-day celebration of live music, community and fundraising.

Running from July 23 to 26, the annual event has become a summer tradition over the past 13 years, drawing hundreds of musicians, campers and spectators for a relaxed weekend centred around old-time and classic country music.

Organizer Greg Holmes said that the team behind Pickin' in the Park were inspired by other nearby festivals.

“We went to a lot of festivals, and a bunch of us, all played music, and we kind of said, ‘Well, why can't we do this in Shelburne,'” he said. “We had a good CAO in Shelburne at that time, and the mayor was great, and with that support, we decided to have a festival in Fiddle Park. We had the town approval, and they helped us get things rolling, and it's really history from there.”

The festival features continuous entertainment, including open mic performances, local bands, circle jams, seminars, and a Sunday morning gospel program. 

Unlike many music festivals, Pickin' in the Park encourages audience participation. Musicians are invited to bring their own instruments, creating a welcoming atmosphere for performers of all skill levels.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the music over the weekend.

The festival has a surprising reach, bringing in visitors from across the country and even from the United States.

“Probably 95 per cent of our people don't come from Shelburne; they come from all over the place,” Holmes said. “We got people coming from all over Ontario to it, and this year specifically, I have about 10 people coming from the states, maybe about five couples coming up from Tennessee, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan.”

Although the event originally took place at Fiddle Park, organizers have found a permanent home at the Shelburne Fairground after relocating in recent years.

During its time at Fiddle Park, proceeds from the festival helped fund improvements to the site, including the construction and completion of the large pavilion and concrete floor. More recently, proceeds have been directed toward improvements at the fairgrounds through the Shelburne Agricultural Society.

The weekend also includes several community events, including a Saturday morning breakfast hosted by the fair board, a smoked pork chop dinner organized with support from the Rotary Club, and complimentary ice cream socials on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Sunday's gospel hour will include a collection for the Shelburne Food Bank.

The festival remains alcohol-free and family-friendly, with organizers aiming to provide a welcoming atmosphere focused on music, fellowship and giving back to the community.

Guests looking to camp out throughout the weekend can purchase a pass for $100 that comes with two wristbands, and for those just looking for a weekend pass, they are $25 per person. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: pickininthepark.ca