SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Laura Dennis and her two sisters have synchronized their watches and planned their picnic menu.

Now all the Spanish Fort trio has to do is wrangle seven children between them and two of three husbands, and a family tradition will continue at the Blakeley Bluegrass Festival Oct. 3.

“We were raised on this,” said Dennis, whose parents began taking their five children to the annual bluegrass celebration at Historic Blakeley State Park the first Saturday of October more than 25 years ago.

“It’s tradition, it’s a lot of fun you can feel good about bringing your kids to and you don’t have to spend half the day in the car getting there,” Dennis said.

Blakeley Park Director Jo Ann Flirt said the lineup on the Washington Square Mary Grice Pavilion includes Delta Reign with renown fiddler Tom Morley; Lock, Stock & Barrel led by Harry Smith; Alabama Gentlemen, a prize-winning southwest Alabama band; and Kracker Dan, the family band featuring Civil War-era minstrel music led by Steve Wainwright.

“We hear from visitors to Blakeley and also from colleagues in historic and nature parks in other states that families are seeking outdoor experiences away from home but in a short travel distance.” Flirt said, adding, “Blakeley is proud to help meet the need for safe, wholesome entertainment for families.”

Gates open at 9 a.m., with music running from 10 a.m. to dusk. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12. Children under age 6 are admitted free. Parking is free.

And with the exception of its Civil War battlefield area, the 2,000-acre park’s other amenities — including nature trails and a 1,000-foot boardwalk leading to the Tensaw River waterfront — will be accessible to all festival goers.

Flirt said traffic congestion complicated by a staff shortage necessitates the closing of the battlefields for that day only.

Families are reminded to dress comfortably and bring their own chairs or blankets. For those who forget their picnic lunches, hotdogs and hamburgers will be available at the Blakeley Park concession wagon.

For more information go to www.blakeleypark.com or call 626-0798. Historic Blakeley State Park is situated on Alabama Highway 225 about four miles north of Spanish Fort.