The bluegrass band Cherryholmes -- all related -- will headline tonight's performance at the Wartrace MusicFest. (Submitted photo)

"It looks like we're getting good responses," said Gallagher, crediting headliners Marty Stuart and the band Cherryholmes for building interest in the festival.

Other scheduled performers include Jack Lawrence and Chris Jones & The Nightdrivers.

Gallagher said the high interest in this year's festival from arts and crafts vendors is an indication that turnout will be good. He wouldn't offer any specific predictions for crowd numbers, however.

"I have no earthly idea," he said."

The festival, co-sponsored by the Town of Wartrace and the Wartrace Chamber of Commerce, begins 2 p.m. today at the horse show grounds. Cherryholmes will headline tonight's performance, while Stuart will close out the festival Saturday night.

Saturday's activities will begin at 10 a.m. at the Walking Horse Hotel with the J.W. Gallagher Memorial Guitar Contest. The flat-picking contest, which is free to spectators, has pre-registered contestants from as far away as Colorado and North Carolina, including former national champions, said Gallagher. Former national flat pick champion Adam Wright will be the head judge.

"It's going to be really a high-caliber contest," Gallagher said. The prize is a custom-made G-55 hand-crafted Gallagher guitar valued at $4,200. It was designed by Stephen Gallagher, Don's son, in memory of his grandfather, J.W. Gallagher, who founded Gallagher Guitars in 1965.

The main festival stage will also kick off at 10 a.m. Saturday with an "open mic" event.

Admission is $10 Friday, $15 Saturday, with children under 12 admitted free of charge.

There will be 300 chairs and a tent at the event, but those who can are urged to bring their own lawn chairs or camp chairs.

Stuart, who has six top 10 country hits, one platinum and five gold albums, and four Grammy Awards, has collaborated with artists from Lester Flatt to Bob Dylan. He is also a writer and photographer whose photos of Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard have been exhibited in New Orleans and Nashville.

The family band Cherryholmes was named Entertainer of the Year in 2005 by the International Bluegrass Musicians Association. With twin fiddles, Irish step dancing and classic country yodeling, the group offers a youthful approach to some traditional forms of music. They were nominated for a Grammy in 2006 for their self-titled album.

For more information about the festival, go to wartracemusicfest.org