Fulton festival features bluegrass and barbecue

The award-winning Martin Family, a Jefferson City-based bluegrass band started 10 years ago in Versailles, will headline entertainment Sept. 11 at the annual Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival on the lawn of the Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, Mo. In front is Dale Martin. Others, from left, are: Larita Martin, Elvin Martin, Janice Martin, and Jeana Martin Faris.
The award-winning Martin Family, a Jefferson City-based bluegrass band started 10 years ago in Versailles, will headline entertainment Sept. 11 at the annual Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival on the lawn of the Fulton State Hospital in Fulton, Mo. In front is Dale Martin. Others, from left, are: Larita Martin, Elvin Martin, Janice Martin, and Jeana Martin Faris.

Central Missourians will gather Sept. 11 in Fulton to tap their toes to five bluegrass bands while savoring barbecue on the lawn of Fulton State Hospital.

The Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival, located on the sprawling hospital lawn, will be from noon to 6 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs or they can just relax on the grass.

The fifth annual event is sponsored by the Foundation for the Advancement of Fulton State Hospital, a local citizen foundation.

"We have this event to help raise money to benefit Fulton State Hospital," said Charles Riley, foundation president.

The Martin Family, an award-winning bluegrass band from Jefferson City, will return as the headline attraction at the festival. The event also will include four other popular bluegrass bands.