October 5th, 2021 – 11:55 AM
Staff Reports –
The 2021 Fiddlin’ Fest Between the Rivers will be held this Saturday, October 9, 2021, from noon to 6 p.m. The bluegrass street festival in Downtown Rome will feature the classical sounds of bluegrass music on two live music stages along with activities along with several blocks of Broad Street.
This event is free thanks to the generous support of sponsors River City Bank, Hampton Inn, and Downtown Rome businesses and property owners (BID).
There will be over ten different regional and local bluegrass bands recognized for their instrumental talent and musical energy, including performances from the Barbaric Yawps and David Long and Midnight from Memphis. There will be two stages, the South Stage in the 100 blocks and the North Stage by 5th Ave on Broad Street; both stages will host a variety of bluegrass performers throughout the event.
Cars on Broad will showcase cars from every decade including pre-1950, street rod, original, rat rod, trucks, and more. The Armuchee Ruritan Club who is presenting the show will judge and offer “Best Of” awards in several categories.
The Vendor Village will host over 45 arts and crafts vendors in the 100 and 200 blocks of Broad Street. Artisans will offer an assortment of items including jewelry, quilts, tie-dye, paintings, door hangers, woodworks, and much more!
A portion of the 200 blocks will be dedicated to pony rides, available at $5 per ride. Shops throughout downtown will feature sidewalk sales and restaurants will offer food and drinks for sale outside their businesses.
A new addition to the event this year is Fiddlin’ Fest River Cruises. Guests will board the Roman Holiday Riverboat to cruise Rome’s rivers while enjoying the sounds of musical artists. The 1 p.m. cruise will host the Griddle Lickers; the 2 p.m. cruise will host Kindred Fire and the 4 p.m. cruise will host Russel McClanahan & Phil Helton. Tickets for each cruise are $12 per person and can be purchased online at RomeGeorgia.org/RomanHoliday.
Downtown Rome invites visitors to make it a full weekend by arriving Friday night for a special concert and event. The Rome International Film Festival will host a live concert by Nashville veteran, Verlon Thompson and a screening of his musical memoir, “Sweet Dreams Do Come True” at Rome City Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased at riffga.com.
Downtown residents, employees, and customers should plan accordingly as Broad Street will close to traffic Saturday morning at 7 am for set-up and will reopen by 8 pm. The street closures will take place into 100, 200, 300, and 400 blocks of Broad Street; 2nd Avenue will remain open.
Parking is conveniently located all around the festival including free parking at 4th Ave and 3rd Ave parking decks.
