Late to the blog game, but I am getting there! This was our second Rockin’ Richland! The creek was up on Thursday, we posted alternate routes to the gate! By Saturday most 4wds, Jeeps, and side x sides were able to cross! Most all made it with no problems, some needed a little help! Tentatively, June 22, 2024 will be the 3rd annual Rockin’ Richland! Watch the Richland Valley Family Farms Facebook page for updates!

A few years ago, my dad Randy, wanted to have a music festival! Mother, Judy, was a little skeptical of his plans. It didn’t take much convincing for me! My brother was for it also! So, we made a plan!

We contacted Southern Switch, who is a music band with Searcy County roots! It consists of Matt Smith, Darrell Ragland, Tom Hendrix, and Isaac Trotter! They have a Facebook page, follow it! I went to school with Matt and Darrell! Tom, now that I recall Tom’s parents, pretty sure we dug in the dirt as kids! Isaac, the isn’t originally from Searcy County, but he fits right in! He can sure rock the drums!

So back to my story, dad wanted to have live music on the creek! Typically, I recall many times music being played on a trailer, in a field! But dad wanted a stage! So, he got one, we all worked hard building it, the Richland Crew pitched it, and several others! It may be smaller than most, but it worked! Eventually, if we keep hosting Rockin’ Richland, we will build a new one, or add on!

I advertised, made flyers (with the help of a friend), and we hosted the 1st Rockin’ Richland! We, for some unknown reason, cooked a meal for the event! Don’t get me wrong, it was delicious, we had smoked pork butt (smoked by Adam Harris), beans, and corn! Also hotdogs and a variety of chips! It was defiantly a lot of work! We had the best time; the creek was perfect for crossing and swimming! The band was amazing!

Fast forward to 2023, we bumped the date up and went in with The Old Snowball House & Store! The weather was a concern with the date. Also, the number of events going on it May! However, we went with the flow! Bam- second Rockin’ Richland! Food vendors, its a yes from here on out! Henry’s Homestyle from Bellefonte, Shelly Beth’s Fried Pies ( & the best ice-cream) from Mt. Judea, and Rockin’ R BBQ out of Big Flat! This was a lifesaver, they had amazing food and desserts! Vendors will definitely be a MUST next year! We also had three bands! We had Bad Mojo out of Boone County, NEWCO Band from Newton County, and our own Southern Switch! The Richland Valley was for sure Rockin’!

I have made a few notes to make next year better! We are excited for the 3rd Annual Rockin’ Richland!

All the bands and vendors were wonderful, they all have pages on Facebook! Follow and like them to keep tabs!

Until next time, love and hugs- Cassie