2010 Picnic Photo Wrap-up...........

The rain, wind, hail, thunder & lightning dampened our camp and flattened our big tent, but didn't dampen our spirits. Many thanks to our volunteers and all of the many musical participants and spectators. Fiddle picnic 2010 was a success and enthusiasm is already building for 2011!

Wednesday morning looked promising...... 

But Mother Nature showed who was boss.........

Morning jam before the heat-and rain sets in....... 

....and between rainstorms....

Sing it girl!........

You too, Bob!.....

Smiles lifted our spirits!..........

and were everywhere!......

Even in Butte!........

Even the the trucks were smiling!

Sometimes confusion reigned supreme......

Was that peg "B" into slot "A" or vice-versa? 

This don't look like the picture on the box, Doc...

How do I turn this dang thing off?.....

.........But we built it and they came....

...From everywhere.....

....in everything..

......and music soon filled the barn

....the trees........

....and the fields.........

.........In addition to fiddlers...

...and guitar pickers.......

.....we had bassmen and women.....

......smokin' hot piano....

.......squeeze box players....

...even a triangle........

.....Trios......

........duos......

.......and singles......

.......kids in a pool with apples;.......and

....???????.......

While The Cat's Away, The Rat's Are Playin'.........

Hard at work.........

Actually, the boss was involved in this as she took the picture. But we are down to preparation week and our crew of faithful volunteers will begin to arrive this coming Tuesday. 

By this time on Friday, it'll be all play and no work!

 

How's that go again?

 World famous culinary sensation Bruce LeBeef will make a return engagement this year....

Get Your Fiddles tuned!

Gene,  sweating it out on the swather

We got the hay cut this past weekend which is always the first big hurdle to cross for this picnic. Mother Nature is not always on the same page as our picnic schedule, so we are always thankful when we are able to get equipement into the pasture and get the grass cut!

Yuking it up after hours

As usual, it isn't all work around here during the days in advance of the picnic.  Some kind of jam always breaks out..........

Nice to see your back, Doc!

6 Weeks To Go!

We are about  six weeks out from picnic time and so far mother nature has been kind to us in the Paradise Valley. Things are as green as they have been in years with all the rain! The rain is always welcome-except for haying time and picnic time!

We started picnic preparation about a month ago and this year's commemorative poster is done and will soon be distributed. 

We've also managed to get in some fiddle time with Doc!  

   

Mark your calenders for July 30-Aug 1!

The Human Jukebox........

Yes folks, he's the real deal.........Butte's favorite son and favorite Elvis imposter.....could bring a tear to a glass eye......Check out him and his band, "The Crowd Thinners"  at this summere's picnic! 

Vendors, Politics and Other Housekeeping Issues..........

Every year from time to time we receive requests from various vendors seeking permission to set up a commercial booth for the weekend. Currently picnic is being run as a commercial free, non-vendor event with free admission.  That format may be re-visited at some future date, but for now and out of respect for our full-time business owners and neighbors in the Livingston area, the event will remain non-commercial and vendor free. 


We totally support and encourage civilized public political debate. Just don't engage in it here at the picnic the weekend of 7/30-8/1. This is neither the time nor the place. Anyone wishing to circulate petitions, distribute political paraphernalia, or engage in public political rhetoric on behalf of any political party or cause will be politely asked to take it across the street. You can stand over there and scream all you want to.  Although we choose to cordially invite the general public to share the weekend with us and friends,  this is a private event taking place on private property. We can and will kick your butts out if you can't behave.

We love dogs and they are welcome at the picnic. Please remember that not everyone is a dog lover. If your dog is not trained to voice command and/or doesn't play well kids and other dogs please keep them on a leash or consider leaving them home.

Just a reminder that this is a dry camp. We have no outside source of fresh water suitable for drinking, cooking or bathing. The exterior taps at the house are for lawn irrigation only. We generally set up a freshwater hand bathing station near pot luck and picnic area however  quantity is limited. Fresh bottled water is available at the Albertsons store just down the road...........

Finally It's Done!

With the completion of the page of history of the Mercier Ranch, the "official blog" of the Montana Old-Time Fiddler's Picnic is done.

You can stick a fork in it....... 

Only 79 days until the picnic!!

Howdy Do!

Lt to Rt: Penny Nelson; Yvonne Allison; Ken Nelson; Doc Allison

Welcome to the "official" Fiddler's picnic blog! It's too bad that I have make the first post with news of good byes........But I must. 

Ken Nelson was called to pastor the Lutheran Church in South Lake, South Dakota and following a teary but wonderful send-off party, Ken, Penny, and Isabelle moved on to the next chapter of their lives in South Dakota in late April. 

Ken, Penny, Isabelle and Stanley were instrumental in the annual organization of this picnic and their efforts will be sorely missed. 

Fortunately we do have a good crew of volunteers for this year picnic and we are looking forward to hosting it again!