Festival recession buster: Great food, great music for $6

TRYON, NC—“After this year, we could all use some fun that doesn’t cost a fortune and that’s exactly what you are going to get at the Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival,” says Dale Musselwhite, chair of the festival, which takes place on June 12 and 13 at Harmon Field in Tryon.

“Admission, which includes live music on two stages, a craft fair, access to Hog Heaven, fireworks and more, is just $6 a person with children 12 and under free. Musselwhite adds, “If $6 is too much, you can sign up on our website to volunteer at the festival and get free admission, a T-shirt, a water bottle and tickets for some barbeque.”

The festival has also taken special care this year to ensure they have barbeque sandwiches, hot dogs, drinks and other festival fare at family-friendly prices. In addition, on Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m,, children can enjoy unlimited rides in the Children’s Fun Park for a flat $10.

Barbeque and music, of course, are the main attractions. More than 80 cookers from all over the United States will be competing for the North Carolina State Championships and more than $20,000 in prizes. Festivalgoers can stroll through Hog Heaven to see the teams at work and perhaps pick up some cooking tips. Several of the competitors will also have their award-winning barbeque for sale.

Music on two stages includes bands “from Austin to Boston,” says Musselwhite, and runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. Main stage headliners include Ryan Montbleau Band and Lil’ Malcolm & the Zydeco House Rockers on Friday night.  Saturday features Eilen Jewell, Seth Walker, and Randall Bramblett Band. Regional artists include Peter Karp, Dehlia Low, Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Longlegs, Gigi Dover and the Big Love, the Shane Pruitt Band and more. “Where else are you going to go to see this scope and caliber of music on two stages for a $6,” says Musselwhite.

Other highlights at this year’s event include a Ducky Race down the Pacolet River, a motorcycle run, beach bingo and more.  

The Blue Ridge Barbeque and Music Festival is sponsored by the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Partial proceeds from the event go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and the Carolina Foothills Chamber Foundation.