Big Bend Bluegrass Association represents the Big Bend Region of Far West Texas and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. BBBA is also an affiliate of the Play It Forward!® program to foster music literacy and performance skills for deserving youngsters. More information can be found here about this exciting program.
History behind the Big Bend Bluegrass Association
Harold Eugene Ferguson, mayor of the City of Wickett, Texas loved to play music. Growing up in Arkansas, Harold began playing the mandolin at an early age. Harold loved music so much that while picking cotton as a kid, he would run into the family home when he had a chance to play his mandolin. Then run back into the cotton field to pick another row of cotton. Later, Harold and his friends formed a group and called themselves the “Arkansas Travelers”.
After serving in the Navy, Harold moved to West Texas to work in the oilfield, living in Kermit and Monahans, Texas. Harold and his childhood friend, whom lived in Wink, Texas continued playing music when they could. They decided to start playing music for dances in the area at lodges and dance halls.
Harold continued playing at every opportunity; providing entertainment at rest homes for the elderly. He did not play music to make money; he played for the enjoyment and to make people happy. Carol, Harold’s wife, and his daughter, Cynthia, eventually joined Harold on the stage performing at dances and rest homes.
Birth of a Bluegrass Festival
Harold was introduced to Bluegrass and Gospel music by friends that he met through music. West Texas hosted two festivals, the Big Lake Bluegrass Festival and the Andrews Bluegrass Festival. Both festivals were well attended and a huge success. The family atmosphere and jamming with other musicians was a huge attraction. However, these were the only two festivals in the West Texas area. Harold decided to start a festival in his home-town of Wickett, Texas. The festival continued for twenty-one years.
Harold wished to see his festival at Wickett hit its’ twentieth-year anniversary. However, Harold was not able to see that anniversary become a reality. The last time Harold played his Martin D35 guitar was on October 22, 2016 with his wife and daughter as they entertained the Lion’s Club for an annual meeting in Monahans Tx. The Lord had other plans for Harold. He was called home November 7th, 2016.
This did not end the Annual Wickett Bluegrass Festival though. His wife, Carol, and daughter, Cynthia continued the festival after Harold’s passing for the next two years. The festival made the twentieth anniversary and one more year after that. Sadly, the festival was put on hold, as all of the festivals around the country were, due to COVID 19. COVID 19 shut the entire country down. The 21st annual festival would be the last Wickett Festival.
Harold’s daughter, Cynthia, moved to Far West Texas into the Big Bend area. The area is rich in music and Harold’s daughter thought it would be the perfect place to introduce the festival. Even though the Wickett Bluegrass Festival is no longer a venue, the Big Bend Bluegrass Association was formed by his daughter to carry out Harold’s legacy of love for music that he enjoyed so much.
Big Bend Bluegrass Association is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers,
promoting bluegrass, country and gospel music in Far West Texas. All contributions are greatly appreciated.