Floyd and Fannie Salmon of Grapeland could well fit the term ‘Jacks-of-all-Trades’. It all began as part of their dream of owning land with lots of trees and water. 

In 1960, they acquired fifty acres of completely desolate land which Floyd cleared and built a lake on for watering cattle. A few years later, with the help of Floyd’s dad, Jake, the idea came to them to open their lake to the public. They began transforming the land into a lovely, nostalgic park. The lake was cleaned and made into a beautiful swimming lake with water sand bottom, plenty of sand beaches, piers and diving boards. Almost three hundred camper hookups were installed. Floyd was able to move old buildings and mule-drawn equipment onto the land. Some of these buildings date back to the early 1900’s. He and Fannie began renovating the buildings, being careful to keep the old style and character of each building intact. The buildings are now being used for cabins, reunion halls, old store and other places of business. Floyd then built a ten-foot water wheel which would power a grist mill. Salmon Lake Park is truly a beautiful park for all to enjoy.

The seed was planted for the future of bluegrass music at Salmon Lake Park when Earl Garner of Elkhart, Texas, dropped by and suggested that the park would be a great place for a bluegrass festival. Earl is a well-known personality in bluegrass music throughout the country.

Bluegrass music originated in the hills of Kentucky and Virginia and spread southwest to become one of the most popular forms of family entertainment. The instruments used are flat-top guitar, fiddle, mandolin, upright bass, dobro and five-string banjo. There are no electrical instruments. 

Promoted by Joe Featherston and Floyd Salmon, the first bluegrass festival became a reality in 1976. Labor Day weekend was chosen for the annual event. Friday evening marked the opening of the festival and Sunday morning was enhanced with worship services and bluegrass gospel music. These Labor Day weekend traditions are still in existence. Gradually, arts and crafts were added to accommodate the rapidly growing crowds. 

A magician entertains kids of all ages, and a variety of home-cooked foods and cold drinks are readily available. 

Come by and see us on Labor Day weekend and join in the fun. Be prepared to listen to lots of good bluegrass music.