Bluegrass at the Lake 2025

Founder and organizer of Bluegrass at the Lake, Carolyn Saylor, and Wood County Sheriff, Shawn Becker,  were able to join James J. Malouf in studio for a recent episode of The Rapids Report. They discussed the upcoming event, its history, and more.

History

Bluegrass at the Lake was founded in the summer of 2018 by the Saylor family. They’re goal was to raise money for organizations that matter to Brittney Saylor. Brittney was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II, and passed away that following November in 2018. The Saylor family continues that mission in her memory. In 2019 the Festival became a 501c(3) non-profit. They have since supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the South Wood County Humane Society. Over the past 7 years the festival has donated over $47,000 to their chosen causes. They are currently working in partnership with the Wood County CISM Team. They have partnered with this organization for three years.

Wood County CISM Team

The Wood County Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team is designed around a structured process that assists First Responders to heal from job induced traumas. It is a nationally-recognized program intended to provide support for those who put themselves at risk for their communities. With just this partnership over three years Bluegrass at the Lake has donated $18,200 to the Wood County CISM Team. During the interview Sheriff Becker emphasized the importance of this service. He credits Bluegrass at the Lake and the Saylor family for providing the support needed to provide it. Using the funding raised at the Festival the Wood County WISM has been able to sponsor seven wood county members, and 6 portage county members through Individual Group Crisis Training, Sponsor the training of a Clinical Coordinator in Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis, Hosting First Responder Mental Health Awareness day in the Spring, and more.

Lineup and Schedule

This year Bluegrass at the Lake is from June 12th until June 14th at Red Sands Beach in Wisconsin Rapids. They’ll be kicking things off Thursday at 6:30 PM  with Southbound and “Taste of Bluegrass” by the Silas Powell Band. Then on Friday beginning about 4:30 you can catch Neosho River Boys, Art Stevenson & High Water, Silas Powell Band and Sortin’ the Mail ending around 11:30 PM. Then on Saturday beginning at noon with Hand-Picked Bluegrass, Silas Powell Band, Bigtooth Bluegrass Band, Chain Station, and Chicken Wire Empire. There are also other features at the festival, like concessions, a touch a truck event, and other family friendly activities.

Important links

To listen to the interview in full you can visit our website here.

Check out the Bluegrass at the Lake Festival’s website here for more information.