By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Before Arbuckle Woods Trio struck its first chord Friday evening, announcer Mike Crane told the crowd at the 14th annual Bluegrass at the Lake what he thought of the band.

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been to hear people play — and that’s just from the warm-up,” Crane said.

About 150 people sat on lawn chairs, blankets, and benches of picnic tables Friday night to hear the music. The audience swayed. Some danced. Kids swam in the lake.

Vendors sold jewelry, wall art, and food.

Arbuckle Woods Trio returned to the festival this year along with Pretend Friend, Fast Food Junkies, Bad Mother Hubbard, Old Fangled, and Taylor Martin Band.

New performers included Sally and the Hurts, Taylor Kline, and Lizzy Blue and the Fools.

Also new this year was transportation provided by Festi-Cab.

Operated by Chris and Regna Dee of Claremore, Oklahoma, the couple travels to festivals using two golf cars and a 15-passenger van, ferrying people around.

“We do this as a service,” Regna said.

Fans of Winfield’s bluegrass festival asked the couple to visit the Marion County event.

The couple provides transportation at festivals full-time.

Because it was the first year at Marion County Lake, riders made whatever payment they chose instead of a set fee, Regna said.