Goebel Named Bluegrass Honoree for Uncle Jimmy Bluegrass Festival

Granville, TN - Historic Granville, TN, will host Granville Heritage Day on May 23, 2026. The event features The Uncle Jimmy Thompson Bluegrass Festival & Old Time Fiddler’s National Championship. Registration for the competition is from 10:00 to 11:30, with the competition starting at 1:00 pm. There will be four age categories, each offering cash prizes. The Grand Champion will have the opportunity to perform during a pre-show for Pickin' on the Plaza outside Ryman Auditorium. In addition to musical competitions, clogging performances will be given by Evermean Evergreen Cloggers and the Tennessee Dance Alliance. The Borrowed Mules and Copper Canyon Bluegrass Bands will also perform. This year, Noah Goebel is honored as the Uncle Jimmy Thompson Award Honoree.

Noah Goebel, a 17-year-old fiddler from Elkton, Kentucky, has achieved remarkable success since he began playing the instrument at age 8. He became the youngest winner of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, securing victories for two consecutive years at ages 13 and 14. Before this, he won several categories in the National Country Music Beginner Musicians Championship, including the James G. “Bobo” Driver National Beginner Fiddle Award. In 2021, at just 12, he received the Entertainer of the Year award at SFJ. Noah has claimed state fiddle championships in Tennessee and Georgia and has earned multiple state titles in both banjo and mandolin. By age 17, Noah had performed 12 times at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, sharing the stage on several occasions with artists such as Dailey & Vincent and Wyatt Ellis. 

At present, Noah is touring with mandolin virtuoso Wyatt Ellis. The band, known for several No. 1 hits on the bluegrass charts, performs across the U.S. and has recently expanded to international venues, including shows in Canada and Ireland. The Uncle Jimmy Thompson Award acknowledges and honors Noah for his commitment to preserving the tradition of Old Time Fiddle & bluegrass music.

The Bluegrass Festival is sponsored by Bates Ford and Wildwood Resort & Marina. 

In addition to music competitions, the festival will showcase America 250 themed historical attractions, an antique car show, an antique tractor and engine show, museum exhibits such as the ‘Home Runs & Home Teams’ baseball exhibit, artisan demonstrations, self-guided tours, as well as food and family fun.

Entry to the festival is $7.00 per person with family discounts available. Parking is $5.00. For more information, go to: www.granvilletn.com

Noah Goebel is the 2026 Uncle Jimmy Award Honoree. Noah will be recognized at this year’s Heritage Day on May 23^rd in Granville, TN.