The Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival is making waves in the bluegrass community with a few new significant milestones—Aaron McDaris, the festival's new owner, officially closed on the purchase of Starvy Creek Park, the long-time home of the event. And just days after the announcement, the festival received a prestigious honor at the SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Awards.
“We are incredibly excited to announce that we are officially owners of the Starvy Creek Park.” McDaris announced Monday. “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to own and operate a bluegrass festival, and it is beyond my wildest dreams and imagination that it would be the festival that I grew up going to.”
But the excitement didn’t stop there. Just this past weekend, Starvy Creek was recognized at the SPBGMA Awards, taking home the coveted Promoter of the Year award.
“We are truly humbled and honored to say the least,” McDaris shared after the win. “We want to say how incredibly thankful we are to the Day family for entrusting our family to carry on their legacy of promoting the music we all love so much. As we are brand new to the promotion side of this, I would like to pay homage to the Day family and share the title with them. We are blessed to carry on the tradition they started, and we know that we reap the seeds they've sown, and appreciate all the work and dedication they've done to make Starvy Creek what it is today.”
Don and Bobbie Day, who founded the festival, have long been known for their passion for bluegrass and their commitment to the music and the community. McDaris, who grew up attending the festival, emphasized that he is eager to honor the legacy the Days built. After years of attending the festival as a fan and eventually performing there, McDaris is now at the helm of an event that has been central to the bluegrass music scene – and the festival will continue to be family-operated by McDaris, his wife, children, and what he describes as a slew of cousins!
Now that the property is officially in McDaris’s hands, plans for the future are already taking shape. The 2024 festival is set to carry on the traditions that have made Starvy Creek a beloved destination for bluegrass fans, including its famous homemade pies, a tradition which McDaris’s sister-in-law will continue.
“My sister-in-law, Melanie Robertson, made over 300 pies last year for both festivals, and she’s really excited to add some new flavors this year,” McDaris said. “She’s even started a little side business called ‘The Pie Lady,’ which will keep the Starvy Creek pie tradition going strong.”
In addition to pies, McDaris’s extended family is involved in the festival’s operation, from shuttle driving to running the tractor that helps manage festival grounds. “It’s a big family effort, and we’re all excited to be a part of it,” he said.
McDaris also emphasized the importance of making the festival accessible for families in our community.
“We want to keep it family-friendly, so children 12 and under get in free with an adult,” he explained. “We know how expensive things are these days, so we want to make it easier for families to enjoy the festival together.”
For McDaris, owning Starvy Creek is more than just a business—it’s a personal journey that honors the past while embracing the future. “I want to honor the Day family, who built this festival, and keep their legacy alive. We’re not trying to turn this into an ‘Aaron McDaris festival’—it’s about continuing what they started, and we’re so grateful for their trust in us,” he said.
Looking ahead, he shares his excitement to see how the festival grows and evolves while staying true to its roots.
“The music, the people, the tradition—it’s all so special to me,” he said. “I just want to keep it going and keep bringing the community together. This festival means so much to so many, and I’m just happy to be part of it.”
With a continued focus on family, tradition, and community, the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival’s future looks bright. McDaris’s deep personal connection to the festival, coupled with his vision for its growth, ensures that Starvy Creek will remain a cherished part of the bluegrass community for years to come.
“We ask that you continue joining us each year in July and September as we carry on the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival,” McDaris concluded. “Let’s keep bluegrass alive and thriving in our community together.”
The first festival of 2025 will be held on July 9-12 at the festival grounds in Conway. The lineup includes Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, the Larry Stephenson Band, Authentic Unlimited, The Kody Norris Show, Dave Adkins, Tennessee Bluegrass Band and Deeper Shade of the Blue, in addition to others.
Full admission and camping information can be found at www.starvycreek.com.
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