The Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival will once again be the home of the State Championship. Governor Pat McCrory has formally decreed that the Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival held annually in Tryon, “shall be known as a North Carolina State Championship,” and that June 14-15, “shall be ‘The Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival Days’ in North Carolina.” The proclamation urges all citizens to commend the observance.

The festival is celebrating its 20th year and is expected to attract thousands of people. Festival Chairman Chuck Britton invites everyone to come enjoy the championship barbecue, live music on two stages both days, regional arts and crafts, and rides and games for kids of all ages. He also indicated that there are a number of special attractions to celebrate the 20th anniversary.

“We will host the cast and crew of Destination America’s popular TV show, BBQ Pitmasters, during the festival, and our guest will get to watch the filming of an upcoming segment of the show,” said Britton. “And we will have a return visit by the “Great American BBQ Tour,” which made it’s very first appearance here in Tryon five years ago and has since traveled all over the country to BBQ competitions and festivals providing entertaining and informative outdoor cooking and cooking product demonstrations.”

Also special, according to Britton, is the fact that Free on Friday is returning.