Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which begins around 5 p.m. Best of Show Car and Truck will be chosen, and trophies will be awarded to the top 20 cars and trucks (plus GM, FOMOCO, MOPAR and Non Big 3). NOPI Motorsports will award a trophy to the first place winner as well as a certificate to join the “NOPI Regional Winners Circle” at the NOPI Nationals in Atlanta, September 21-22. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and door prizes.

Download a registration/information form at www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com. If you have questions about displaying a car at the Festival, contact the BBQ Office, at 828-859-7427.

The 20th Annual Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival will be held at Harmon Field in Tryon on June 14 and 15. It includes a cooking competition–sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society–and music (on two stages); as well as a juried arts and craft festival with up to 50 artists and crafters displaying, demonstrating and selling their art; carnival rides and games for kids of all ages; interesting and informative sponsor displays and, of course, some of the best food to be had anywhere. Saturday’s special events include the Classic Car Show and two “Hawg” Runs (motorcycle poker runs), one originating in Greenville, S.C. and the other in Asheville, both ending at the festival. And don’t miss the grand finale fireworks display on Saturday night.

A special feature this year is free admission for everyone from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday only. Guests get in free and stay all day if they wish. Other times, tickets are $8 at the gate, with kids 12 and under always free with a paying adult.
Active duty military are also always free with military ID. Gates open at 10 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. both days.

The festival is operated each year by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds help support chamber operations, and additional funds go to the Carolina Foothills Chamber Foundation to be returned to the community through distributions to a variety of charitable and civic programs and projects throughout the county. For further information, call the festival office at 828-859-RIBS (7427) or visit BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com.

– article submitted by Brenda Bradshaw