Merlefest has a strict no-alcohol policy, and they check coolers and bags at the gate. It's a mixed crowd, family friendly, very well-behaved in fact. The festival is huge but extremely well organized and well run, with participation from many of the local civic groups and many townspeople. Don't know about parking because we stayed last time at a campground and took the convenient shuttle back and forth several times a day. Will do the same this time.

We went to the Philly Folk Fest 2 years ago and pretty much agree with your assessment from 20 years ago. All bluegrass festivals are NOT like that. Besides, Philly has a distinctly different folkie -not bluegrass- crowd, different in fact from other folkie crowds like Old Songs.

But we love 'em all, each one unique and fun in it's own way.