The 30-year-old organization was surprised and disappointed to receive a letter on Aug. 8 from Scott Roberts, owner of the Salt Lick Barbecue Pavilion in Driftwood, informing the board that the property would not host the festival in 2018.
The Salt Lick had verbally confirmed those dates in 2016 and again in June, two months ago. The festival has been held on that site and the accompanying Camp Ben McCulloch since 2002.
Roberts said in his letter that the decision was based on the changing use of the surrounding property and concern about alienating his new neighbors.
In June, Old Settlers’s board took an important step to ensure the festival’s future by finalizing the purchase of 145 acres in Dale, Texas, a small community nestled in Caldwell County just 20 minutes east of Lockhart and less than an hour from downtown Austin.
This will be Old Settler’s third site after what began as a small bluegrass event at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock, TX
The new site doubles the festival’s space and allows for numerous improvements, while maintaining the previous site’s comfortable feel. An expanded Kids’ Village, more room for eclectic food offerings, elimination of the need for satellite parking and shuttles, more camping space and other amenities will be available at the new location.
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