FloydFest kicks off its four days of music, crafts, games, lifestyle and fun today at the Patrick County site just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The collection of musical acts includes perennial crowds favorites like Donna the Buffalo (above) plus Railroad Earth, Dave Grisman and many others.

Some see the annual event, which grows in size and scope every year, as a Woodstockian "hippie" festival but FloydFest has evolved into a family weekend (below) that includes fans of all ages and persuasions. It is an event that has makes Floyd a popular summer destination for many and brings much-needed dollars into the local economy.

We won't be there this weekend because of a prior commitment but the weather forecast looks good for the festival, which has been hit by rain, storms and even a hurricane in seasons past.

It should be a banner weekend for Kris, Erika and all the folks at Across The Way Productions. (Photos from Floydfest 2006)