How it all started

In 1968, Bill and Mona Jones with daughter Carol, began their music park at the Fairview school house on Hwy HH near Dixon, Missouri. The festival was held every Labor Day weekend. It is now one of the oldest on-going festivals west of the Mississippi River. In 1981 they moved the festival to their 40 acres on Hwy 133 just outside of Dixon and began a Memorial Day weekend festival. They now host two festivals a year performing traditional Bluegrass music. Bands from near and far perform on this beautiful Ozark stage at Bluegrass Pickin' Time. Bluegrass music has been their love and life for the past 38 years. Their band, Bill Jones and The Bluegrass Travelers has hosted each festival and has graced many stages across the US.

It was with sadness that Carol had to give up her life to cancer in 2001. The park was renamed in her honor as 'Carol's Memorial Bluegrass Music Park'. A brick sign with a flower bed was built at the entrance of the park.

Bill and Mona, in April 2006, retired from the park but not from the music. They still have a schedule of performances each year. The new owners of the Bluegrass Pickin' Time are Scott and Bessie Reeder. They will continue the traditions set forth by Bill and Mona as they still live at the park and will attend and play each festival. They will now have time to visit, chat and have coffee with their treasured music friends.

Scott and Bessie welcome you to each festival. Starting this year in the park is a summer weekly jam session on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00pm between the Memorial Day and Labor Day festivals. Park improvements will be necessary at some times. We want to make it comfortable for you as our guests and look forward to your return. Your suggestions will be appreciated.

Our sincere thanks,

Scott & Bessie Reeder