The Sassafras bluegrass band will be a special attraction at this year’s Niagara Falls Bluegrass Festival.
The two-day event will be held at the Niagara Falls cafe this weekend.
Festival spokesman Lachie Hayes said it would be the first time an international band, from North Carolina, had played at the festival.
‘‘We’ve also got heaps of quite high-quality New Zealand acts like The Eastern, who are from Lyttelton.
‘‘They’re one of the biggest folk bands in the country,’’ Mr Hayes said.
There was a variety of acts playing at the festival, which included bluegrass, folk and country genres.
The outdoor stage would be on the cafe’s lawn.
‘‘People come along with deck chairs and umbrellas and sit in the sun.’’
The family friendly event was always popular.
‘‘Lots of people go to it.
‘‘It’s a nice way to spend the weekend with kids.’’
Festival-goers could camp in a paddock next to the cafe or come for one day.
There was also an opportunity for nonprofessional entertainers to perform on stage.
The aim was not to make money, so ticket prices were kept low.
‘‘We’re here to share music.
‘‘Often the campsite can be filled with nonprofessional musicians having singalongs.’’
His father Steven Hayes and uncle Alton McDonald organised the first festival in 2008.
