MerleFest: An Americana Music Celebration.
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The Mission of MerleFest

Our Mission Statement
MerleFest is committed to producing a high quality diversified American roots based musical experience that attracts a broad audience and reunites guests, supporters and performers in an annual celebration of Americana music .

The festival is held in a secure and substance-free setting that compliments the experience and fosters an interest in a variety of musical forms representative of the repertoire of Doc and Merle Watson.  Through the years, MerleFest has provided funds for it’s founding purpose, the Eddy Merle Watson Memorial Garden for the Senses; providing an interpretive, educational, artistic and cultural experience for visually impaired as well as sighted guests. 

The festival is committed to the cultural experiences that are interwoven in the music’s foundations and progression.  The acclaimed Outreach Program takes the festival experience directly to people of all ages in Wilkes, Ashe and Allegheny counties in an effort to further educate and cultivate a cultural interest in roots music.  MerleFest features arts and crafts vendors who represent the heritage of western North Carolina which enhances the cultural aspect of the festival .

The festival serves as an important economic catalyst for the surrounding community and has a significant impact each year.  It is committed to promoting the work and efforts of Wilkes County non-profit community organizations and Wilkes Community College’s student organizations as well as the mission of Wilkes Community College.  MerleFest directly contributes to Wilkes Community College’s scholarships, capital improvements, development, and many other needs of a growing institution of higher learning.

The presence of MerleFest on the world wide web provides an opportunity for deeper appreciation of the festival and serves as a forum for year-round communication with guests, volunteers and other festival participants .

In all facets of organization and operation, a caring staff continues to strive to present the best “Americana” music experience in the world.

MerleFest Primary Values

Customer Service

Family Oriented/Something for Everyone

Well-Organized

Community Pride/Economic Contributions

Reunion/Homecoming

Love of the Music

Additional MerleFest Values

Traditional

Progressive

Consistent Quality

Attractive and Clean

Secure

Influential

Inclusive

 

MerleFest is held each year on the campus of
Wilkes Community College
1328 S. Collegiate Drive; Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Phone: 336-838-6100; Fax: 336-838-6277

©2004-2005 Wilkes Community College and MerleFest

Marlene Carlton Marlene Carlton Marlene Carlton Nancy Ellen Watson Nancy Ellen Watson Maggie Carlton Maggie Carlton Gaither Carlton Gaither Carlton Gaither Carlton Annie Watson Annie Watson Annie Watson Arnold Watson Arnold Watson Merle Watson Merle Watson Doc Watson Doc Watson Rosa Lee Watson Rosa Lee Watson