Local kids learned about the history of bluegrass music Saturday and were given the chance to make a little mountain music of their own.

The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts held its first Bluegrass Expo for Kids Saturday afternoon that featured performances from Mary Ann Eason, Martin Feagle and his band. The performers were members of the North Florida Bluegrass Association, and one of their goals is to educate the next generation of musicians about the history of bluegrass music. The event had been years in the making and began with a conversation between Eason and the center’s executive director, Cheryl Oliver.

“Two years ago, we had three groups come in to perform on a Sunday afternoon, and it proved to be so popular that we wanted to have them back,” she said.

Eason pitched the idea of an expo that would give children the opportunity to be exposed to bluegrass music. “Kids have the opportunity to hold and play the instruments during the instrument petting zoo portion of the program,” said Oliver. “And if children decide they would like to learn an instrument, we are offering music lessons that will be held here at the center.” A large group of young children held and played fiddles, dobros, banjos and other common bluegrass instruments.

The event was free and open to the public, and was a continuation of the center’s efforts to celebrate and promote the arts. The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts at 527 N. Patterson St. is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The center does not charge for admission during regular hours.