GETTING OUT

The Kristmas Town Kiwanis Club's 18th annual Bluegrass From the Forest features eight bands, camping, jamming, vendors and the Chick Rose School of Bluegrass from July 7 to 9 at the South Mason Youth Soccer Park at 2102 E. Johns Prairie Road.

For ticket information, go to bluegrassfromtheforest.com or call 360-490-8981.

The musical lineup ia Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, the Kathy Kallick Band, the Bar K Buckeroos, The Rusty Hinges, Heartbreak Pass,

Terry Enyeart and the Steelhead Bluegrass Band, Farmstrong and the hometown host band Runaway Train.

Union resident Greg Linder, the festival organizer and a singer/guitarist with Runaway Train, said he recruits festival performers while his band is performing at festivals that include North Cascades Bluegrass in Bellingham, the Darrington Bluegrass Festival, Wintergrass in Tacoma and the Columbia Gorge Festival.

"I keep my ears open," he said.

The Bar-K Buckeroos, who play traditional western swing dance music in the style of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, will perform at the Saturday Night Country Dance from 10 p.m. to midnight July 8.

Free hot dogs will be served at midnight.

More than 100 hot dogs were distributed within 15 minutes, Linder said.

"They come in like vampires out of the night," he said. "It's a big draw."

Dry camping for RVs and tents is available starting the evening of July 6. Kids of all musical abilities will be coached by advanced musicians from 10 a.m. to noon July 8 at the Chick Rose School of Bluegrass.

IF YOU GO:

WHO: Kristmas Town Kiwanis

WHAT: 18th annual Bluegrass from the Forest

WHEN: July 7-9

WHERE: 2102 E. Johns Prairie Road, Shelton

INFORMATION: http://www.bluegrassfromtheforest.com and 360-490-8981