There was plenty of bluegrass music and applause Thursday evening for a large gathering of Harlan County volunteers who have provided countless hours of service to their communities.

As part of April's National Volunteer Month observance, the Harlan County Volunteer Program organized a reception and bluegrass concert in appreciation of the many local folks who have given of their time to help others.

“This is at least our 12th year in recognizing volunteers here in Harlan County,” said Jeff Wilder, a member of the volunteer program committee. “And this year we wanted to do something a little different by having a bluegrass concert. This is just a way of letting local organizations show their appreciation to their volunteers, because if it weren't for them, there's no way some of these organizations could operate as successfully.”

Volunteers who attended Thursday's program represented AARP (The Tri-City Alternative Group), Britthaven of the Tri-Cities, Christ's Hands, Clover Fork Clinic, Cumberland Lions Club, Cumberland Tourism Commission, Hands Across The Mountain Association, Harlan ARH Auxiliary, Harlan County Committee on Aging, Harlan County Literacy Program, Harlan Nursing Home, Harlan County Humane Society, Horizon Adult Day Care, Kentucky Coal Museum and Portal 31, Kids Cafe, Meridzo Ministries, Mountain Heritage Hospice, Pathfinders For independent Living, Saint Stephen's Outreach, Tri-City Empty Stocking Fund, Tri-Cities Woman's Club and Wallins Fellowship Center.

“There's no way we can repay the tremendous contributions of our county volunteers,” said Georgiana Saylor Milwee, another volunteer program committee member. “But this is a good start. It's a special day to honor special people.”

Milwee encourages residents to become volunteers. She said serving the public not only provides invaluable help, it also proves to be self-rewarding.

“It's good to volunteer,” she said. “It helps other people, as well as yourself. When we take the time to give, lives, including our own, will be touched.”

The bluegrass band Highway 41 was the night's featured entertainment. Made up of six veteran performers, Highway 41 is known for delivering traditional bluegrass music along with occasional country and gospel tunes.

Several members of the audience joined in singing during the toe-tapping, spirited evening. The band's gospel songs were especially well-received.

Volunteers joined in harmony as the band's fiddle player closed the night with a sweet rendition of the “Old Rugged Cross.”