Smoked Country Jam: A good time and a good cause

Potter County | Dark Skies Landscape of the PA Wilds

Smoked Country Jam is a three day bluegrass festival that not only offers great entertainment, but also fosters our Pennsylvania songwriting heritage, in addition to raising money and awareness for the Lupus Foundation. 

The Smoked Country Jam is held at the Quiet Oaks Campground in Cross Fork, PA; a 100-acre spread that provides a variety of camping options and the perfect setting. There are two separate stages for your listening pleasure, including one named the PA Wilds stage.

Ron Kodish founded the music festival in 2004 as a vehicle to bring awareness to Lupus, a disease that can now be controlled, but has yet to have a cure.  Theresa, Ron’s wife, was plagued by symptoms for years prior to finally getting a diagnosis. With the purpose of raising money to shed light on this mysterious disease, the festival incorporates a 3-day auction. So far, it has raised over $35,000 for the Lupus Foundation of America.  Smoked Country Jam is a three day bluegrass festival that not only offers great entertainment, but also fosters our Pennsylvania songwriting heritage, in addition to raising money and awareness for the Lupus Foundation. 

The event – which won the 2022 PA Wilds Champion Award for Event of the Year – features both regional and national performers, and entertains with more than 40 hours of music.  Music isn’t all that can be enjoyed, though; there are also bluegrass workshops, children’s activities, a vendor midway, and lots of good food. And if that isn’t enough, it also hosts the Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest. Contestants are not only promoting PA Heritage through songwriting, but they have the opportunity to perform their art, as well.

Including this family and pet friendly event in your travels through the Dark Sky Landscape of the PA Wilds will, no doubt, create fun-filled memories for your entire crew.

Smoked Country Jam is a Host Site member of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Learn more about Smoked Country Jam and leave a review or recommendation on their WCO profile.

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