Uncle Dave Macon President Gloria Christy visited the Murfreesboro Rotary Club Tuesday (7/26/11) and told how this month's thirty-fourth annual event saw a healthy growth spike. She said there was a 25 per cent increase in entries with 200 persons competing in all categories. 

Christy, who has a passion for preserving our community's musical heritage, shared how her dream was to establish a sound museum that would not only preserve, but also teach today's generation such talents as playing Dave Macon's famous claw hammer style of banjo playing, square note singing and other musical memories from earlier years. 

In addition to the increase in competition, there was also a jump in the number of persons who attended the festival. She noted that an almost 14 per cent increase in gate receipts was collected. The $40,385 will be used to cover insurance expenses, rental fees and other expenses. 

She indicated ATM transactions during the July 8th through 10th event showed that vendors also enjoyed success. Approximately $30,000 was dispensed to patrons at the three-day event.