All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Take your (guitar) ‘pick’: Brooks Hill’s Bluegrass Festival is back Saturday

BROOKS HILL – Bluegrass is defined as a style of country music influenced by jazz and blues. And, this Saturday, banjos and guitars will be echoin’ throughout the small town of Brooks Hill from the sounds of the annual Pickin’ on the Hill Bluegrass Festival.

Several years ago, the small Upshur County community hosted the festival consecutively; however, once attendance became too low, the festival came to a halt for a few years.

Fortunately, for the past three years, James and Bonnie Crouse have taken on the task of organizing the all-day music festival for Brooks Hill Community Building.

The main purpose behind the festival is to raise funds for the Brooks Hill Community Building, which serves as a hub for community members to host family reunions, weddings, birthday parties and special occasions.

“We’re doing it to keep the facility open and keep maintenance on it,” James said.

Aside from raising funds for the community center, James said the festival helps the county’s economy, too.

“It draws in a lot of people from out of town and brings a lot of money to our community,” he said.
“People stay in Buckhannon and surrounding areas when they come in for it.”

With Saturday’s weather looking sunny and high in the 70s, Brooks Hill might be spot to hit.

“It’s looking like it’s going to be a pretty big deal this year,” said James, adding folks from all over come out for the event.

Ultimately, James says the festival’s turnout really depends on Mother Nature.

Nonetheless, this year’s festival is scheduled to play host to the most performers in the event’s history.

The lineup will consist of five touring bands and several local musicians. Some of the featured performers, include Valley Bluegrass, Rachel and Jim Smarr, The Country Ramblers, Praying for Change and several others.

The festival begins bright and early at 9 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12 years old. Food will be sold throughout the day.

Signs with directions will be posted from the West Virginia Wildlife Center, which is located 12 miles south of Buckhannon on Route 20.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Woman arrested on six felony charges after allegedly shooting at a man in Upshur County

Jocelyn M. Krum, 28, of Charleston, was arrested on six felony charges after allegedly entering a Mt. Lebanon Road residence in Upshur County with a rifle and shooting at a man before fleeing the scene.

Buckhannon man sentenced to 11 to 21 years for Bailey Ridge Road shootout

Austin W. Arbogast, 26, was sentenced to 11 to 21 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felony charges stemming from a March 2024 shootout on Bailey Ridge Road while attempting to retrieve his child.

Mountain East Conference extends invitation to Shawnee State University

The Mountain East Conference has approved Shawnee State University as its 12th full-time member, with the school set to join in 2026 pending NCAA Division II acceptance and expanding league competition in 19 sports.
Davis and Elkins College

Davis & Elkins College students recognized for high academic honors for Spring 2025 semester

Davis & Elkins College has announced the Spring 2025 president’s list, for students earning 4.0 GPAs, and dean’s list, for those earning 3.6 to 3.99, honoring academic excellence campus-wide.

Ketha Pearl Simmons

Ketha Pearl Simmons, 83, of French Creek, died at home on June 30, 2025, is survived by three children, ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and will be remembered at a Frenchton Community Church service.
Fred Eberle Technical Center

Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council to meet July 8

The Fred W. Eberle Technical Center Administrative Council is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on July 8, 2024, at 2 p.m. at the center, focusing on career and technical education programs.

Man faces new charge related to stolen UTV from Barbour County

Travis Medina, 41, of Buckhannon, faces a new charge of receiving or transferring stolen goods after authorities found a UTV reportedly stolen from Barbour County.

River Fest returns in August with free food, live music and paddling for the whole community

River Fest will return August 23 with free food, live music, beginner kayaking, and community activities for all ages, aiming to attract 200 attendees and celebrate the Buckhannon River in memory of its founder, April Keating.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: June 30 – July 4, 2025

Buckhannon has announced upcoming public meetings, July 4th holiday closures, a community celebration and fireworks, yard waste collection dates, and information on utility payments and city service requests available online.