The YaYas

Soon the sounds of bluegrass, Americana and country music will ring through the air around upper Cleveland County once again. For the fourth straight year, music lovers from across the region (and from as far away as Canada) will gather at Elliott Family Farms just above Polkville for the Clear Mountain View Music Festival. This year's festival dates are August 27-29.
"We're expecting record numbers in attendance this year," said organizer David Elliott. "Hopefully we will avoid the heat wave we experienced last year!"
Bob and Hilda Elliott, along with their children Brian, David, Julie, and Ben, own and operate Elliott Farms, which they have recreated to reflect life in a farming community around the turn of the century. Restored log cabins, antique tractors and equipment, a general merchandise store, a blacksmith shop, and country crafts are just a few of the attractions at the farm. Guided tours of the farm are available upon request.
The family is especially proud of their molasses, which earned a "Goodness Grows in North Carolina" from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services last year. Molasses is made on location at the farm on Saturdays September-October, weather permitting. Demonstrations are also provided for corn grinding and kick wheel pottery.
In 2008, the Elliotts decided to share their 4th generation family-owned farm with the public in an annual "Heritage Festival," held the first weekend each October. The large crowd sizes at the event proved to the Elliotts that there were many people who wanted to be reminded of how things were done by past generations, according to David Elliott.
"After a few years we began to think of ways we could share our history with people that may not normally be exposed to this way of life," Elliott said. "The music festival was our idea of a great way to draw a diverse group of people."
And that's exactly what they have done with the Clear Mountain View Music Festival. The music festival brings a mix of bluegrass, Americana and country music to the county, Elliot said.
"We have a wide range of bands who don't generally get to meet up here in one place together," Elliot said. "It gives a different vibe than other concerts."
This year's lineup includes Larry Keel Experience, Big Daddy Love, Dangermuffin, Simplified, Dirty Grass Soul, The Corbitt Brothers, L Shape Lot, Josh Daniel & Mark Shimick Project, the Isaac Haze Band, Chuck Johnson, The YaYas, and Roger Padgett.
In addition to the music, the festival will also feature handmade crafts, jewelry, chainsaw art, pottery, henna tattoos and face painting, according to Elliott. Food will be offered by a wide range of vendors and the Elliott Family Farms BBQ Shed will be operating a full menu all weekend.
For more information about the festival, visit
www.clearmountainviewmusicfestival.com.

By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF
Special to Shelby Shopper