The inaugural Merlefest took place in April 1988 to a crowd of about 4,000 people.  Merlefest takes its name from Merle Watson, who died in a tractor accident in 1985.  Merle Watson was a noted finger-picking guitarist in the folk, blues, and country styles.  He and his legendary guitarist father, Doc, performed together.  Merlefest was conceived as a benefit concert to raise funds for a memorial garden in honor of Merle that would be located on the grounds of Wilkes Community College.  Including the inaugural festival in 1988, the Merlefest has always been held at Wilkes Community College.

 

One of the hallmarks of Merlefest has been the musical diversity, which is reminiscent of Doc and Merle Watson’s eclectic interests.  From its two-stage beginning, Merlefest has evolved to no less than thirteen stages spread across the 150-acre Wilkes Community College campus.  Despite its enormous success, the mission of Merlefest has not changed.  The festival remains committed to producing a high-quality, diversified, American roots-based musical experience that is representative of the repertoire of Merle and Doc Watson.  Each year, many performers visit the public schools in the area to further educate and cultivate the musical interest of young people.  The positive economic impact that the Merlefest creates every year helps in its commitment to promoting the efforts of local community organizations and the Mission of Wilkes Community College.

 

During Merlefest, an event the Town is equally proud of is the annual campground sponsored by the Wilkesboro Volunteer Fire Department.  The campground was begun about eight years ago to offer a place for Merlefest patrons to camp.  Since that time, the campground has evolved into an institution of its own.  Free hot showers, a shuttle to Merlefest, and late night pickin’ sessions all combine to make the campground a great place to stay.  More than 2000 people will stay at the campground during Merlefest.  The campground is located about 2 miles from the festival.

 

Prices for campsites are very reasonable at $55 for the week.  There are also RV sites available at $100 for the week.   Wilkesboro firemen work very hard to provide a pleasant experience for campers and the money made at the campground goes toward the firemen retirement fund.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CAMPGROUND

REGISTRATION FORM