Ryan MontbleauMain stage headliners include Ryan Montbleau Band and Lil&squo; Malcolm & the Zydeco House Rockers on Friday night.&bsp; Saturday features Eilen Jewell, Seth Walker, and Randall Bramblett Band. Regional artists include Peter Karp, Dehlia Low, Peggy Ratusz & Daddy Longlegs, Gigi Dover and the Big Love, the Shane Pruitt Band, and more.

In addition to all the music at the festival, of course, is the North Carolina State Barbecue Championship.

Festivalgoers can stroll though &dquo;Hog Heaven&dquo; and witness perhaps as many as 80 cook teams competing for more than $20,000 in trophies and cash. Carnival rides, a juried craft show, Beach Bingo, a Rubber Duckie River Race, and grand fireworks displays both nights round out the festival&squo;s activities.

The Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival is conducted annually under the auspices of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the Festival help support Chamber operations and any additional funds go to the Carolina Foothills Chamber Foundation to be returned to the community through distributions to a variety of programs and projects throughout the county. Funds are generated by a modest admission fee, contestant entry fees and sponsorships.

For additional information and a coupon&bsp; off Friday&squo;s admission, visit the Festival website at www.blueridgebbqfestival.com.