The crowds may have been down slightly at this years Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival, but with costs cut, organizers say the event was still a success.

Although the weather was hot and humid Friday and Saturday, there were no heavy rains either day.

Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce President Andy Millard says crowds may have been smaller, but the people who came had a great time.

Millard said the main parking lot was never full. He said in previous years with much hotter weather, he’s seen the main lot as well as two overflow lots full.

Earlier this year the chamber of commerce announced that it would not hold the event this year. The community rallied and the chamber changed its mind after 85 people and organizations pledged $1,000 each for the chamber’s rainy day fund, so the festival was almost guaranteed not to lose everything. Profits from the huge event have dwindled, with last years profit being only about $12,000.

The chamber decided to cut costs this year wherever possible. The festivals ending fireworks were cut out of this years festival, and other cuts were made such as fewer golf carts and less advertising.

Barbecue steering committee members bought T-shirts for organizers to wear and some volunteers paid for their own golf carts to cut costs. Millard says due to those cuts, the festival should have come out on top financially this year, although the final numbers aren’t known yet.

The festival was also down on volunteers, but the festival went smoothly, according to Millard.

The benefit the community gets from the festival was there, said Millard.

Millard said organizers plan to have healthy discussions regarding the festival and its future over the next couple of months to see where the chamber goes from here with the festival.

As we have these discussions its going to be necessary to hear from everyone, he said.

Millard said there are some in the community who dont want to lose the festival and others who think its bad for the community and he wants to hear from every point of view.

Im keeping a completely open mind at this point, he said.

Attendance and profit numbers were not available as of press time yesterday.

6/15/10

Ed4/Events/BBQ

:bbq10a