Funny Farm Productions has been a part of the Wisconsin Bluegrass scene since the early 1990’s after helping out at one of the final Mole Lake Bluegrass Festivals in 1992. In the following years we moved to the Paul Bunyan Ski hill in Lakewood Wisconsin, known as Mole-Lakewood Bluegrass Festival, running from 1993-1995.
Funny Farms first “Bluegrass Bash” was held in Cecil, Wisconsin in 1996. The fest had all the spirit of Mole Lake with a smaller capacity and more intimate site. For 11 years the Cecil festival grew to become one of the most beloved bluegrass events in the state. Guests might remember the Stumpjumper Logo, campsites with GIANT flags, mannequins, an above ground pool, or possibly riding around the grounds behind a truck on an old couch fitted with skis! Some of today’s biggest bluegrass acts played the Bash before they blew up. Bluegrass Bash featured artists such as: Old Crow Medicine Show, Trampled By Turtles, Del McCrory, John Hartfod, Ricky Skaggs, and Leftover Salmon.
The Funny Farm family grew a bit from 2008 and took a hiatus from the festival production business for a few years. The team focused on smaller events in Northeast and Northern Wisconsin until an opportunity presented itself to host a new festival in beautiful Door County.
In 2015 Funny Farm held the first annual Burning Cow Music Festival on the Door County Motorcycle Memorial grounds in Sturgeon Bay. Burning Cow was a rock and blues fest to remember featuring some of the best and brightest new artists, and in the tradition of other similarly-named festivals, burning a giant cow statue! After 5 great years, there was that pesky pandemic, so we decided to take a pause. Reflecting back to the Bluegrass Bash made us realize where our hearts lay; with bluegrass music, and the good natured people who love it too.
We are excited and honored to bring the Wisconsin Bluegrass Bash to Door County, one of the most beautiful places in the country. Come join us for a weekend to make new friends and remember forever!