BUTLER TWP — The sound of a fiddle and banjos is often associated with warm weather and campfires.

But Butler County residents were treated to hours of bluegrass music over the weekend to help warm their hearts during the winter.

Hundreds of people filled the Days Inn on Friday and again on Saturday for the 17th annual Ice Jam Bluegrass Festival.

“It's a perfect way to start the New Year,” said Amy George of Zelienople, the lead organizer of the festival.

George said even the cold weather didn't deter bluegrass musicians and their fans.

“Despite the cold weather, we still had a full house,” George said. “We have over 450 chairs set up so there's a lot of folks in the room.”

More than 25 bands came from the tri-state area to play. Each band played a 30 minute set, keeping crowds entertained late into both nights.

The Days Inn was booked full, leaving many spectators looking elsewhere for a place to stay.

“I have a couple friends come from out of town that had to stay at another hotel,” said Jude Meyers, of Oakland Township. “I think this brings a lot to the economy of Butler County.”

Meyers said the timing of the concert is a big draw.

“There's not a lot to do in the winter, so it's a good chance to get out,” she said.

Caroline Mitchell came from Pittsburgh to play with her band, Various Others.

“This is one of the best free festivals out there,” she said. “The amount of work that goes into this is amazing.”

Mitchell joked her band's name is a tribute to playing at festivals.

“You always see the names of the big artists on top of the banners with 'and various others' at the bottom,” she said. “So we thought it was a fun play on that.”

While Mitchell was in attendance to play with her band, most of the people filling the hotel were fans of the music.

“I have absolutely no musical talent at all,” said Meyers. “But I've been here every year for the past 10 years.”

Mitchell said the festival is particularly special because it helps raise money for charity.

“It supports the Bluegrass Musicians Relief Fund, which helps friends of bluegrass musicians in need,” she said.

The charity raises money by selling raffle tickets and clothing to help people in the bluegrass community who have fallen into tough financial times as a result of health issues or unemployment.

“It's a great event,” said Meyers. “It's for a good cause and you get to listen to great music. It's a win-win.”

George said the donations and support received are a testament to the bluegrass community.

“It's great music, but it's really the people that are fantastic,” she said. “I've raised my kids on these festivals.”

Meyers said the friendships made at the festivals are a big draw.

“I go to a lot of the festivals in the area and I'm always surprised to see how many faces I recognize at each event,” she said.

George said the music and the atmosphere bring crowds back.

“I think bluegrass is popular everywhere, especially when it's played live,” she said. “And once it's in your blood, you're hooked.”

The Ice Jam is set to return to Butler on Jan. 2, 2015.