— Daily Freeman-Journal file photos Dale Eichor & Friends band performs Saturday afternoon at the 2017 Stratford Stride Bluegrass Festival in the Stratford City Park. Eichor will be the master of ceremonies at the 2018 festival, scheduled for Thursday through Sunday.

STRATFORD — The sounds of strumming and picking will be heard this weekend as Stratford Stride presents the 34th annual Bluegrass Festival in the Stratford City Park.

Musical ensembles from all over the country will perform during the four-day event.

Performances begin this evening at 7 p.m. with Bluegrass Blondies, Bluegrass Express and Riverbottom Ramblers presenting segments.

Show times on Friday are at noon and 6 p.m. with performances by Volume Five from Mississippi, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper from Indiana, Blue Mafia from Indiana, Lori King and Jct. 63 from Iowa, Bluegrass Blondies and Bluegrass Express.

Saturday’s performers will include Volume Five, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers from Ohio, Blue Mafia, Lori King and Jct. 63 and Williamson Branch from Tennessee. Show times Saturday are also noon and 6 p.m.

Sunday will bring an afternoon of Gospel music, featuring Williamson Branch and Bluegrass Blondies.

Tickets are available at the gate as follows: Thursday, $15; Friday all day, $25; Friday after 5 p.m., $20; Saturday all day, $25; Saturday after 5 p.m.. $20; Sunday, a donation. Three day passes are available for $50 and come with a free piece of pie. A Friday and Saturday pass is priced at $40. Children under age 14 are admitted free.

Saturday will also bring a a parade through downtown Stratford beginning at 10:30 a.m. A community church service will be held Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Concessions will be available all weekend in the park. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the park.

Those attending are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Bring a musical instrument as jamming is welcome.

Camping is available on a first come, first served basis. There are no reserved spots and campers will be required to buy an admission ticket.

For more information about the event, visit www.stratfordbluegrass.com