SCOTTOWN — The popularity of Steve Cielec’s Appalachian Uprising bluegrass festivals prompted him to use it as a way to benefit Ronald McDonald House.

On Saturday, the second festival of the year at his Eden Valley Farm, was designed solely to raise money for the charity.

Cielec, the owner of the McDonald’s restaurant in Ironton and vice president of the area Ronald McDonald House Board, said he strongly believes in the cause.

“I’ve seen first hand what the Ronald McDonald House can do for people,” he said.

He said with the strong following the AU has experienced in its first six years, he was hoping for a good turnout so people could enjoy themselves and raise money for the charity.

Jesse Paul Super was eager to mention that he traveled all the way from Charlotte, N.C., to attend the festival.

“I came to this festival because it is good. The last festival (in June) was awesome,” he said. “They had a great lineup and the people here are great.”

A longtime volunteer of the AU, who didn’t want to give his name, was busy delivering needed items to other volunteers and wrapping up last minute details. His children were in the band, “Front Line,” and he added, “It’s awesome and I really enjoy working the festival.”

Joe Young, owner of Bacon’s BBQ, and his girlfriend, Brooke Spillman, have been vendors at the Appalachian Uprising festival for three years.

Not only does Young take pleasure in serving up his signature BBQ during the festival, but he said he enjoys the scenery and the people.

“This festival is the only place you can get a couple thousand people together and there’s no violence,” he said.

Cielec and his volunteers have already begun to plan for the 7th Annual Appalachian Uprising, slated for June 5-7.

Details about past festivals and the upcoming AU festival can be found at www.appalachianuprising.net.