2017 Washboard Music Festival to Celebrate Appalachian Heritage

The streets in downtown Logan, located in heart of the Hocking Hills, will come alive with the annual Washboard Music Festival on June 15-17, 2017. Folks planning to attend the festival during Fathers' Day weekend are encouraged to put on their dancing shoes and join along with the unique style of toe tapping music that will be performed throughout the festival.

The event was created to honor the Columbus Washboard Factory that was purchased and moved to Logan from Columbus, Ohio nearly two decades ago. It is the only factory in the United States that continues to manufacture washboards. Thus the idea to establish a music festival that focuses on washboard music was born. Now you can enjoy the foot-tappin' styles of Dixieland Jazz, Jug Music, Celtic, Blues and Cagun Zydeco played by bands from all around the country in the streets of small town America - Logan, Ohio.

The festivities kickoff Thursday evening at the main stage when Arnett Howard and Friends perforM. Little Roy & Lizzie take the stage Friday offering traditional bluegrass at its best. On Saturday, catch the Wayfarers and their own brand of American string-band music. Friday and Saturday music acts features the Steel City Rovers and their Celtic music, "Roscoe Goose" the Juggernaut Jug Band playing jazz, blues and ragtime, and Washboard Hank - a legendary Canadian artist on the alternative country scene. Additional musical acts include spYder Stompers & Sugar Pie and their pre-war acoustic country blues, Sodbusters' rootsy folk and Bill Bailey's percussion masterpiece. The Ohio River Minstrels will celebrate America's heritage in story and song.

And that's just the free music performances.

Families will enjoy the Children's Park with rides. Mr. Puppet will be there to entertain the kids along with the magic of Dave Lehman. A Quilt Show, hosted by members of the Hocking Valley Quilt Guild, will be held at The Bowen House from 12 - 5pm on Friday and Saturday. Both days also include a huge rummage sale. The historic Columbus Washboard Factory will be open to visitors from 9am - 7pm on Friday and Saturday. Saturday includes a tractor exhibit from 9am to 5pm. Afterward, enjoy the annual Washboard Music Festival Parade at 6 p.m.

In addition, the festival has plenty of food plus arts and crafts vendors. Click here to plan your good time.

This project is supported in part by awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Ohio Arts Council and the Hocking Hills Tourism Association.