The PBOMA was founded in July 1979 in Amarillo, Texas by four individuals who shared a common interest in bluegrass and old-tyme music. In their search for other bluegrass music fans, they placed an advertisement in the local newspaper stating a location and a time of meeting. Many bluegrass enthusiasts arrived ready to pick and grin! Together they formed the Panhandle Bluegrass & Old-Tyme Music Association. Now it has grown into an average membership of around 325 families. The PBOMA is a non-profit organization that is run and operated solely by volunteers who have accomplished many things throughout the years. After only one year in existence, July 1980 marked the beginning of a yearly bluegrass festival. The first 19 festivals were held in Mobeetie, Texas. In 1999, the PBOMA festival was moved to Tule Creek in Tulia, Texas. Year 2009 found the festival in the beautiful City Park, just one block south of historic Route 66 in Vega, Texas. In keeping with the association's purpose to promote and preserve bluegrass and old-tyme music, the PBOMA sponsors have an annual scholarship program at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas. The scholarship is awarded to a deserving student who wishes to major in bluegrass music. Throughout the years, our members have similarly sponsored many fund raising concerts for various benefits and charities, with a sincere desire to help the community. Even with all these activities, the association members still make time for fun! There are several annual events centered around the family, such as weekend camping and indoor jamborees. All PBOMA members receive a monthy newsletter, "PANHANDLE PICKIN' TIMES" to keep them informed of all the bluegrass activities in the tri-state area. You are welcome to join us the first Saturday of each month when we meet at the Western Cowpunchers Building on the Dumas Highway in Amarillo, TX. Members bring a covered dish and enjoy an evening meal at 6:00p.m. A short business meeting is conducted at 7:00p.m. After the meeting, all are invited to get in one or more circles and pick and sing, or just sit and listen to the music and visit with other "foot patters."
