A Special Show

April is here again, and that means choirs of birds are singing, bands of frogs are harmonizing, and the symphony of spring is getting into full swing! For us at Turtle Old Man, it means another special musical experience is on the horizon: the annual MerleFest Music Festival in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

For several years, this show has been a personal favorite of mine. The atmosphere is unmistakably happy as families and friends enjoy spending a day (or four!) of shopping, fellowship, and excellent entertainment. Although for us MerleFest means rising with the sun and working long past nightfall, I would not trade this time for anything. From impromptu bluegrass picking on the street to great artists like Alison Krauss and Old Crow Medicine Show on the stages, music defines and fills this show, creating a tapestry of tales and emotions from the time the first act plays until the evening crickets join to sing along.

Perhaps it is this interwoven stream of stories that makes this show so special to me. Each piece in our collection takes its own stage on a shelf, adding its unique history and design to the chorus of experiences with which this festival brims. From artifacts belonging to cultures of days gone by to brand-new, hand-forged designs, we are honored to be able to present our jewelry and specimens at such an awesome event as MerleFest. 

If you have never been to this festival before, I encourage you to check it out this April 23-26 and make some special memories. And when you do, be sure to stop by Turtle Old Man and enjoy some of our "rock" and “wrap” stylings, including the first-ever in-person display of pieces from our 30th Anniversary Collection!

-- Paxton Rice,

3rd generation of Turtle Old Man