June in Polk County heralds the arrival of the Blue Ridge Barbecue & Music Festival presented by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Considered one of the most popular barbecue competitions in the United States, the two-day festival kicks off today at 10 a.m. and will go until 11 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. Food, crafts, concerts, classic cars, a poker run and kid’s rides will beckon thousands to Harmon Field in Tryon from near and far. Pictured are Eric and Tracy Kretschman of E.T.’s BBQ from Port Charlotte, Fla. setting up Thursday morning. More details of the festival can be found in our special annual BBQ edition, inserted in today’s paper. (Photo by Michael O’Hearn)