Screenshot via Instagram

Yesterday, the 16th iteration of DelFest picked up at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Cumberland, Md. The first of the four-day gathering, which honors the bluegrass tradition as well as the founder’s musical focus and timeless appeal, was marked by a special moment when the state’s governor, Wes Moore, took the stage and declared May 21, 2026, Del McCoury Day. 

In a video shared online, Moore offers an overview of what makes McCoury an extraordinary steward of The Old Line State:

Hey, Maryland, I am here with the man, the myth, the legend: Mr. Del McCoury. And we are here to celebrate DelFest. And it’s not just the impact that you’ve made on music. It’s not just the impact you’ve made on our collective souls; you’ve also been so generous, so kind, so giving. This is a person who fights for food security. He’s a person who fights to make sure our kids get dental care. He’s a person who stood for our communities in Western and Mountain, Maryland, when we were dealing with historic floods. That his foundation was able to come in and help us. He and his family are the best of us. So I was very proud to declare from here on out, May 21, 2026, is now Del McCoury Day in the entire State of Maryland.

In response, McCoury says, “Thank you, Governor Moore. I appreciate that. And you know, the folks in this part of the country here, we love them all. Governor Moore, I’m really honored that you would present this to me,” the musician goes on to describe the moment the state politician showed up on stage to present the award and his own momentary disbelief. 

After the first day of the festival, music resumes today. View the official festival schedule here. 

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A post shared by Governor Wes Moore (@govwesmoore)