SCOTTOWN - Each year, the Eden Valley farm in Scottown is transformed from picturesque

countryside to bluegrass mecca, if only for a weekend. The third annual Appalachian Uprising begins Thursday and will continue through Saturday evening.

Steve Cielac, one of the organizers of the event and the owner of Eden Valley farm said he expects an even bigger crowd than the one last year.

"Last year we had about 900 people and this year we're

expecting 1,500," Cielac said. "We've doubled every year. It's getting known, nationally. We've had ticket buyers from Ontario, Canada, Austin, Texas and Florida."

Again this year, the music festival will feature internationally known bluegrass musician Sam Bush, who has played with artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Emmylou Harris and the Nitty Gritty Dirty Band. Also performing will be Tony Rice, Melvin Goins and Windy Mountain and local favorite Boss Tweed.

The gates open at noon Thursday. Camping facilities and food vendors will be available. The festival is a presentation of Earth Productions. Information about the festival, including ticket prices and directions, may be obtained on the Earth Production's Web site, www.earthproductions.net.