It's safe to say that the pair wildly overshot their original goal. Their memorial festival, which was only meant to happen once, has become one of the most significant music events in the nation each year.

The economic impact on the region is immense, coming in at over $10 million per year, and at least 75,000 people attend. Nonprofits based in Wilkes Country raise over $500,000 directly from the event, making it the primary fundraiser for many groups.

The festival is family-friendly, meaning you won't hear any vulgar lyrics, you won't be surrounded by rowdy folks who have had too much to drink, but more importantly, it means that it's actually fun for the whole family. There are plenty of things to entertain children, from special performances to games and entertainment, and they are genuinely welcomed. Their tickets are even free!

But the best thing about the festival is obviously the music. If you are looking to immerse yourself fully in the music of the Southern Appalachians, MerleFest may very well be the best place to do so.

There are twelve stages arranged thoughtfully around the campus of Wilkes Community College. The best-known stage is the Doc and Merle Watson Theatre. It's the largest stage, and there is a continuous stream of high-quality performances that happen there. You'll find The Avett Brothers and Tanya Tucker here, among others.

The festival lasts four days, and it's always begins the last Thursday in April. The music plays until Sunday evening. Many people camp so they can catch as much music as possible.

Being asked to perform is considered a high honor. The bands you'll find at MerleFest truly are the best of the best, thoughtfully chosen to blend old and new styles while holding traditional music at the center. Some artists, like Sam Bush, come back year after year and are considered audience favorites. Donna the Buffalo also draws huge crowds each year, and you'll always see Jim Lauderdale, Charles Welsch, Jack Lawrence, Jerry Douglas, Joe Smothers, The Kruger Brothers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mitch Greenhill, Pete and Joan Wernick, Peter Rowan, Roy Book Binder, Scythian, T. Michael Coleman, Tony Williamson, The Waybacks, and Wayne Henderson. These performers are the heart and soul of the festival, which manages to improve itself year after year.

It is fun to go to MerleFest. That's the biggest reason that people keep coming back. The experience is memorable, full of smiles, and easy to manage. Some festivals can be a bit much to attend, requiring attendees to walk for miles, sacrifice comfort, and survive on substandard food. The campus of Wilkes Community College is small enough that you'll never wear blisters on your feet. Even if you have to park far from the campus, there are free shuttles that will get you where you need to be in no time. The temperature is never too hot or too cold, and the bathrooms are clean, and there are many of them. And the food at MerleFest is quite tasty. The food tent is large, with many choices, and all of the vendors are nonprofits in the region. The festival is organized thoughtfully to make for a pleasant experience, and the attention to detail is obvious.

Moreover, the crowds of people are cheerful, and the energy is contagious.

Coming to MerleFest feels a bit like coming home, even if it's your first visit. Attending MerleFest makes it very easy to get that old-time Appalachian music down in your soul. Don't miss the scheduled jam sessions, where talented traditional musicians play together in an improvisational way. Those sessions highlight what it is that makes the music of these hills so special.