After ten years of a HOT August spot on the calendar, Rodney Preddy moved the Preddyfest Bluegrass Festival to June in 2008. I knew as soon as everyone started talking about how much cooler it would be that we were jinxed. Sure enough, we had record breaking 100 degree temperatures in Franklinton, NC last year, but the 12th Annual event promises to finally cool down with the new Memorial Day weekend schedule.

In 2009 Preddyfest officially starts Thursday, May 21st, but the campground opens the previous weekend for 3-day ticket holders. The forecast promises lows in the 40s for the first part of the week - tent dwellers will finally need those sleeping bags! By Thursday, things will heat up into the 80s, not bad for Preddyfest fans.

Sourwood Mountain Band, Lost County 35, and Constant Change kick off the festival Thursday. Friday's lineup includes Samantha Casey & The Bluegrass Jam, Grass Street, Roby Huffman & The Bluegrass Cut-Ups, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, and Hagar's Mountain Boys. And finally Saturday features Mark Templeton & Pocket Change, Al Batten & The Bluegrass Reunion, The Grass Cats, Barry Scott & Second Wind, Michael Cleveland & the Flame Keepers, and The James King Band.

After the stage closes each night, the shows continue with picking throughout the campground. As much as I love the stars (and for the record, James King is my favorite, and Al Batten runs a close second), the informal jam sessions are what make Preddyfest fantastic.

Tickets are still available at the gate. A 3-day weekend pass is $60 and includes free camping. Thursday only is $20, and Friday or Saturday only are $25 each.

From Highway 1 in Franklinton, NC, travel 2 miles west on Highway 56. Green Hill Road is the first major right, and Preddyfest is about 4 miles down the road on the right, after crossing the bridge. While the drive is definitely out in the country, you can count on well-placed Preddyfest signs to keep you from getting lost.

Rodney hasn't announced next year's schedule yet, and when we asked about the possibility of a second 2009 event, he didn't rule it out. Whatever the weather, make Preddyfest part of your vacation plans for a sizzling good time!

Update! During the last day of this year's festival, the official announcement was made - we will be back next year on Memorial Day weekend for Preddyfest!