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Joe Hartley, Sr. from Linville founded the event in 1924 as a Sunday School picnic and family gathering. Since those humble beginnings the event has been host to many great speakers including Billy Graham. The nation's top country and bluegrass gospel groups and artists have also appeared through the years. The event has hosted celebrities such as Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, Roy Clark, Roy Acuff and many more.

This year there will be a special remembrance in honor of Arthur Smith, who hosted the event from the 1950's through the early '80s. Arthur passed away on April 3, 2014 at the age of 93. His son Clay Smith, along with Tim and Roddy Smith (sons of "Brother Ralph") and Dave Moody of the Moody Brothers will bring a special tribute around noon.

This year's guest speaker will be noted evangelist Dr. Leighton Ford from Leighton Ford Ministries. Dr. Ford is the brother-in-law of Reverend Billy Graham and was past Vice President of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. He has preached his message worldwide to millions of people in over 37 countries.

This year's singing will be co-hosted by Michael Combs and John Cockman. The lineup for the event includes:

George Hamilton IV - http://www.georgiv.net/
Michael Combs - http://www.michaelcombs.com/
The Cockman Family - http://www.cockmanfamily.com/
The Hurleys - http://www.hurleybluegrass.com/
The Sneed Family - http://www.sneedfamily.com/
Rick Webb Family - http://www.rickwebbfamilymusic.com/
Bread of Life Quartet
Patricia Smith - http://www.abundanceofbless...music.com/
Keith Dudley - http://www.keithdudleymusic.com/
Ernie Penley - http://www.erniepenley.com/ - great, great nephew of founder Joe Hartley, Sr.

The all-day event is free with food vendors on site. Camping without hookups is also available on a first-come basis. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and sunscreen.

For more information go to: http://www.grandfather.com/...-mountain/ .

MacRae Meadows is located on Highway 221 two miles north of Linville, NC and one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Founder Hartley's motto is the same today as it was 90 years ago: "Whosoever will may come".