April 14th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Screening of a documentary tracing the history of the annual DelFest festival was debuted in the Palace Theatre in Frostburg Thursday evening. The film, six years in the making was produced by students from Frostburg State University under the tutelage of director Annie Danzi and her assistant Sidney Beeman, along with editor Matt Watkins.  Several members of the McCoury family, including Del and his sons Rob and Ronnie, attended the showing of “Sweet Appalachia The Story of DelFest,” which was shown before a full house. The documentary traced the history of the festival from the decision made by McCoury to choose the Allegany County Fairgrounds for the event, through the difficult days of the pandemic up to today. Numerous members of the McCoury family appear in the film like Dave Williams along with several local individuals who have either assisted in organizing the festival or attend nearly every year. Following the event, a reception was held for the creators of the film, DelFest organizers and the McCoury family at the Toasted Goat in Frostburg.

Established in 2008, DelFest is a four-day bluegrass and Americana music festival attracting nearly 30,000 to the regain. Held annually at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland during the Memorial Day weekend.