7 Mile Bluegrass Festival-Pickaway Ag & Event Center Ink 5-year Agreement
Article presented by Tomlinson Insurance Agency …
(Circleville, OH) – The 7 Mile Bluegrass Festival has found a long-term home at the Pickaway
Agriculture & Event Center (PAEC) for the next five years, thanks to a newly formed
partnership between Bravo Bluegrass Rallies Against Veteran Poverty (BRAVO) and the
Pickaway County Agricultural Society (PCAS). Announced on Friday, September 27, the
agreement ensures that the annual bluegrass festival, which has become a staple in
supporting veterans in need, will have the resources and space needed to grow.
BRAVO, a non-profit organization established in 2019, is dedicated to supporting veterans
in poverty through its signature 3-day bluegrass festival. The festival, which accepts six or
more nonperishable food items as the only admission fee, has been held in various
locations across South Central Ohio in recent years. Previous venues, often private
properties, presented challenges with limited camping facilities and accommodations for
performers and the ever-growing audience. However, this past July, the festival made its
debut at PAEC, resulting in its most successful year to date. The event drew record breaking crowds, garnered glowing feedback from attendees and performers alike.
The new partnership agreement between PCAS and BRAVO ensures that PAEC will
continue to host the festival, providing an ideal location for attendees and entertainers for
the next five years. In return, PCAS’s annual Gun-A-Palooza fundraiser will serve as a major
sponsor for the festival, helping to further promote both events. Additionally, BRAVO has
pledged to support Disabled Veterans Outdoors, a non-profit organization that provides
outdoor activities for disabled veterans, as part of its mission to give back to the veteran
community.
BRAVO President Billy Self shared his excitement for the future of the event, stating that the
2025 7 Mile Bluegrass Festival will build upon the success of the previous year with even
more enhancements and exciting new talent.
“We’re committed to making each year better than the last,” Self said. “We’ve received
wonderful feedback, and we’re excited to bring even more improvements and top-notch
performers to next year’s festival.”
BRAVO Treasurer Ricky Loar echoed the enthusiasm, hinting at major updates for 2025.
“We’ve listened to all the feedback from this year’s event, and we have a lot of exciting
changes in store, —2025 is going to be incredible.”
Christy Pence, Event Sales Coordinator for PAEC, praised BRAVO’s work during this year’s
festival. “They did an excellent job, and we’re thrilled to have them back. The event was run
smoothly, the entertainment was top-notch, and the attendees were respectful and
engaged. We look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.”
As the festival continues to grow, BRAVO extends heartfelt thanks to all the sponsors,
donors, and volunteers who make the 7 Mile Bluegrass Festival possible each year. Their
generous contributions are what allow the festival to thrive and continue its mission of
supporting veterans in need.
The 2025 7 Mile Bluegrass Festival is set to take place at the Pickaway Agriculture & Event
Center from Thursday, July 24 through Saturday, July 26.
