Carolina in the Fall website.

North Wilkesboro, NC — The Carolina in the Fall Bluegrass Festival hosted by Robert and Brenda Shepherd and The Kruger Brothers has been recognized by the North Carolina Association of Festivals and Events for the sixth consecutive year. The festival was the winner of five Excellence Awards this year, making it one of the most recognized festivals in North and South Carolina.

In a press release from Carolina in the Fall, festival organizers touted, “That is quite an accomplishment for our small festival! Our festival attendees continue to compliment The Shepherd Family and The Kruger Brothers each year for producing such an intimate and relaxed family event. Receiving official accolades at the state and regional level is wonderful honor that we share with our dedicated festival staff and volunteers!”

The following are the awards Carolina in the Fall were presented.

• Event of the Year for North Carolina – Event of the Year is the highest honor and the most coveted Excellence Award. Festivals and events are analyzed and evaluated based on the mission statement and festival goals, attendance, staff, volunteers, budget, promotional and communications campaign, merchandising program, and additional special programs.
• Best Website for the festival website.
• Best Press Kit which includes Press Releases, all festival printed materials, and communication with various Media Representatives for promotional articles and/or interviews.
• Best Sponsorship Packet for sponsor information provided for the cultivation of relationships with potential sponsors to ensure that both the festival and the individual or business mutually benefit from the sponsorship endeavor.
• Associate of the Year, Dan Eller of Party Time Rentals, Inc. Dan Eller is a Wilkes County native who owns and operates Party Time Rentals in Charlotte, NC. Party Time Rentals Inc has earned a reputation as a high-quality rental company with a tremendous inventory and experienced event planners for Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Plans are already underway for the Seventh Annual Carolina in the Fall Festival which will be held September 25, 26, 27, 2009 on the Shepherd Farm off of Armory Road in North Wilkesboro. This year’s Carolina in the Fall festival will also feature the 2009 North Carolina Banjo Championship.

Tickets and information about the festival are available by calling 336-667-5344 or by visiting the website: www.CarolinaInTheFall.com