Poke Salat Bluegrass Jam & Contest

The Poke Salat Festival, held in Downtown Arab, is inviting Bluegrass musicians, bands and dancers to join us for the 35th Annual Poke Salat Festival.

Bring the instrument of your choice and join the Poke Salat Festival Bluegrass Jam Session, Saturday, May 18 at 11 am. This fun 90 minute jam session is open to all musicians that want to play. As Andy Griffith would say “Just jump in and hang on….”

At 2:00, Bluegrass bands will be playing throughout Downtown. Pick a nice spot and just play. The winning band will be picked by the crowd, so bring your family and friends to cheer you on. Winning band picked by audience applause at the main stage at 3:30 pm. 1st Place wins $200 cash prize and 45 minute stage time at 5 pm. 2nd Place band wins $150 cash prize and 3rd place wins $100 cash prize. Headlining Band at 6:00 is Bent Creek Bluegrass Band.

Waltz, two-step…. and buck dancing.. We’re inviting you to come out to the Poke Salat Festival and show off your dance moves. Bring a partner, or hoof it on your own. You can dance during the Poke Salat Jam Session, or during the Street Corner Pickers contest, or while the bands are playing. If you feel the beat, move your feet!

We’re hosting a Buck Dancing Expo and contest at 4 pm! You can register now, or day of the event by 3:30. There will be cash prizes for three age groups. Each dancer entered will Buck Dance for 1 minute. After each age group finishes, the winners will be decided by audience applause, so bring your family and friends!
Just want to show off but not compete? Bring a group and join the expo!
In addition to all the Bluegrass and Buck Dancing fun, activities at the Poke Salat Festival include Artisan Demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, Top Dog Competition, Side Dish Showdown, Battle of the Bands, Children’s costumed Fun Run, Scavenger Hunt for prizes, Street Painting by the Arab Jr High and High School Art Departments, Open Mic area for singing, staged entertainment, FREE Children’s Play area, games, food court, and of course, Poke Salat!

Need more information? Call 256-200-5270