By Dean Poling — As an aspiring banjo picker, Rod Casey enjoyed the music, camaraderie and entertainment of traveling for his personal enjoyment to bluegrass festivals. A musician who plays both guitar and banjo, he enjoyed hearing the various bluegrass musicians while learning new licks.

As the Lowndes County Commission chairman, however, Casey saw how these festivals attracted audiences from miles away. Bluegrass attracted people, such as himself, who were willing to come from other regions to enjoy the shows and spend their money.

Casey came to see the potential of bluegrass as not just great music but as something that could have an economic impact on Lowndes County.

This month, Lake Park and Lowndes County host the Georgia State Borderline Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, which Casey hopes will be the first of an annual event for Lowndes County.

“Bluegrass is good, solid, family entertainment,” Casey says.

Scheduled for March 7-9, the festival has attracted top-notch entertainment from the bluegrass world.

The Wilson Family is a bluegrass band that has been capturing regional attention for the past few years and is on the verge of taking that next step.

The Claire Lynch Band is considered a member of bluegrass’ “A-list,” with Lynch having won the International Bluegrass Music Association female vocalist of the year award as well as two Grammy nominations for best bluegrass album, along with band members Jim Hurst being a two-time winner of the IBMA guitar player of the year, and Mark Schatz having twice won the IBMA bass player of the year award.

Randy Kohrs & The Lites was on the verge of a major breakthrough when Casey signed them to the festival and that breakthrough has since come with the latest CD, “Old Photograph.” “He was already well-known when we booked him,” Casey says, “but now he has just shot to the top.”

Other bands include Riverbend, Jackie Hill & Shades of Grass.

There will also be a bluegrass band competition for local and regional groups, with applications and more information available by calling (229) 671-2400; or visiting www.lowndescounty.com.

Valdosta Shriners are also sponsoring a barbecue competition.

The Valdosta Daily Times, a sister publication of Valdosta Scene magazine, is a festival sponsor.

To keep the festival a family event, neither alcohol nor tobacco will be permitted. Pets will not be allowed in the concert area.

Camping will be available, which means that, in addition to the fine entertainment on stage, there will likely be plenty of pickin’ and grinnin’ by amateur musicians gathered in the camping area.