The festival, founded in 1988 by Doc Watson, is the primary fundraising event for Wilkes Community College and attracts crowds consistently exceeding 75,000 in number, making it one of the largest music festivals in the United States.
Founded in 1988 by Doc Watson, the festival serves as the primary fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and regularly attracts audiences exceeding 75,000, placing it among the biggest music festivals in the country.