Bobby Awe of Fort Dodge sings a crowd favorite, "Baby Blues" along with Dale Eichor, also of the Fort Dodge area, during the benefit show Saturday evening for flood victims in Cedar Rapids. They will also be part of the 33rd Annual National Old-Time Country & Bluegrass Festival & Contest at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds Aug. 25-31. [Click to enlarge]

Saturday night's Country Music fundraiser for flood victims in the Cedar Rapids area raised nearly $1,200.

It also gave area residents and guests a taste of the music to be presented at the 33rd Annual National Old-Time Country & Bluegrass Festival and Contest at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds starting today (Monday) and running through Sunday, Aug. 31.

The Saturday event, coordinated by Mike and Tom Mullally of Le Mars, featured 13 country music singers and groups from Iowa and Nebraska to New Zealand and Ireland take the stage at the Plymouth County Historical Museum's Old Central Gym.

Mike Mullally said it was an honor to introduce Bob Everhart to the crowd and the people of Le Mars.

Everhart, the festival's organizer, thanked everyone for coming to the fundraiser and said, "Things area ready to go at the fairgrounds," where more than 600 performers will present their musical talents on one of 10 stages throughout the week. "We hope you'll come out to see these talented musicians this week," he said..

The AKA Clowns from St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City were on hand throughout the night encouraging people to make donations to the Cedar Rapids Red Cross for flood victims. The clowns, young and old, made their way around the room, making people smile while giving that much needed donation.

Saturday night's performers will take part in the 33rd Annual National Old-Time Country & Bluegrass Festival and Contest at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds, where 10 stages (seven indoor and three outdoor) have been set up to showcase the more than 600 performers will take the stage today (Monday) through Sunday starting at 9 a.m. each day and going well into the evening hours.

There will also be workshops and contests with various activities related to old-time country music.

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Numerous displays and booths will also be available during the week, including the Pioneer Expo of Arts & Crafts, displays on agricultural lifestyle and a Native American Tipi Village.

Food booths will also be available on the grounds.

Admission is $15 per day for adults, $11 per day for adults over age 70 and under 18; and free for kids under 14. A special seven-day pass is available for $55.

Watch for pictures of the week-long event in the Daily Sentinel.