There are all sorts of meteorological sign-posts to announce the arrival of summer - although, thanks to global warming (or whatever the hell it is that's happening with the weather), they're pretty much out the window in terms of accuracy.

What might be a better way to gauge the start of the season would be the annual Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival taking place tonight through Sunday at the titular campground in Preston. It's the 37th year for the music-happy event, and a nonstop array of national and regional acts will perform, including such old faves like the Dry Branch Fire Squad, Clair Lynch, Nora Jane Struthers and the Party Line, and Seirra Hull.

Also scheduled are the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, Cricket Tell The Weather, The Box Cars, and the Grass Routes. For a complete schedule of performers access strawberrypark.net.

As always, there's plenty of food, dancing, workshops and musical instruction.

- RICK KOSTER

37th Annual Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. today, noon-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., Strawberry Park Campground, 42 Pierce Rd., Preston; $50 Thurs. and Sun., $25 children 10-17; $70 Fri. and Sat., $35 children 10-17; (860) 886-1944.