Greencastle Music Fest is this weekend

For the 17th year, residents and guests alike will flood into downtown Greencastle to enjoy the sounds of great music, fellowship and to support downtown merchants as Greencastle Music Fest is slated for Friday and Saturday. 

"It started in downtown Greencastle, celebrating Almost Home's 20th anniversary in 2010 and it was a lot of fun. It was only one day then, and in 2019, we made it two days. It has grown, and the benefit of it is we have people from all over that come and stay in the hotels and VRBO's and visit families. It brings in a lot of tourism business for the area, and it couldn't happen without the wonderful community support that it takes to put it on. We have a lot of local businesses that sponsor the event, and I am really blessed to have those people support it. It just keeps growing," event organizer Gail Smith told The Putnam County Post. 

The festivities begin Friday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. with the gates opening. Blues musician Tad Robinson returns and will kick off the music on Friday at 6 p.m. Chris Ferrara will follow him, and he is another fan favorite. 

"Tad is a hometown favorite, and he always has a strong, local following. Chris is one of my favorite bands from Nashville, Tennessee, and this is their third year playing. They come with a lot of energy, and I think people have enjoyed them. They really wanted to come back," Smith said. 

On Saturday, the gates open at 3 p.m. There will be a cornhole tournament at 5:30 p.m. and the music begins at 3:30 p.m. with Sugar Street featuring Richard Goodall, who will perform until 5 p.m. 

"Everybody knows about Richard Goodall being the America's Got Talent janior that just won. He's got a strong following, and he's such a down to Earth gentlemen," Smith said. 

Following Sugar Street and Goodall will be the Tailgate Revival Band, who, according to Smith is a country band out of Nashville, Tennessee, that brings a lot of energy. Closing out the night will be The Crashers, who will perform from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

"They have a huge following in this area and put on a great show. They just back last weekend from playing in Las Vegas. I feel blessed that they still come to Greencastle, and I am excited about that," Smith said. 

In addition to the music, there will be a popup boutique shopping experience from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for retail merchants, as well as a Market Place District with food trucks and retail vendors, according to Smith. 

"We want to give the guests a little bit more to do. All the local restaurants will also be open. It truly has something for everyone. We have young kids to over 90 year old people who come. My goal has always been to provide something for everyone," Smith said. 

Smith said seeing everyone downtown for two days, as well as the musicians returning for multiple years is special. 

"I think it is very important for sustainability, and that has always been my goal. People love music, and they love to be around other people, and that is why I decided to do this event. Fun fact, First Friday came out of this event, and we've seen what those are like. It is fun, and people come downtown. I enjoy seeing everyone have such a good time. I am really geared at making sure things go well, but it does warm my heart when people are having a good time, visiting with friends and neighbors and, to me, that is the ultimate thing I like the most," Smith said. 

Tickets are $15 and children under 10 are free. To enjoy both nights is only $25, according to Smith. Tickets can be purchased online at greencastlemusicfest.com. 

"There is a cost to this, but you won't be disappointed with the entertainment. Come out, shop, dine and enjoy the music," Smith said.