Small but enthusiastic crowd turns out for bluegrass and barbecue

Published 3:00 pm Sunday, July 21, 2019

VARNELL — A soft drizzle of rain and the occasional sound of thunder in the background didn’t damper the spirits of those who showed up Saturday for the third annual BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival at Edwards Park.

As a band played songs by the rock group the Eagles in the background, Chatsworth resident Melanie Krisce watched as her grandchildren played on the park’s playground.

“This is our first time, but we heard about it and decided to check it out,” she said. “They (her grandchildren) are having a great time. They got their faces painted even in the rain. I’ve liked the music.”

About 50 people sat under a covered area watching musical groups playing.

“It’s not too bad after you get underneath something,” said Ringgold resident Chris Hix. “You get your feet wet walking on the grass. I’ve come here before and had a good time. They always have some good food.”

Dalton’s Robert Bryant and his family were making their first trip to the festival.

“I love barbecue, and I wanted to try some of the things they have here,” he said. “We just got here and have been looking around. We haven’t eaten anything yet. But it smells good, and what I’ve seen looks good.”

There were about half a dozen vendors selling barbecue. There were also vendors selling frozen yogurt, hamburgers, funnel cakes, corn on the cob, fried pork skins, Italian ice and boiled peanuts.

In addition to food, there were vendors selling jewelry, clothing and various crafts. There were inflatables and pony rides for children.

But vendors reported that the rain and low attendance had depressed sales somewhat.

“We aren’t getting a lot of business at the moment, but we were selling some earlier,” said Emanye Stephens of YoJay’s Yogurt Treats.

Larry Blom, with Uncle Lar’s Outpost of Trenton, was on hand selling hamburgers and other foods that contain no additives or genetically modified ingredients.

“We do a few of these festivals each year to introduce people to our products,” he said. “We usually do pretty good business. But today has been a little slow. The crowd has been less than is typical, but the people who are here seem to be having a good time.”

Richard White, of Canton, was selling funnel cakes and lemonade.

“Considering the number of people who are here today, we’ve been doing OK. Everyone who is here seems to be enjoying themselves,” he said. “But the rain has kept people away. We do a lot of these bluegrass festivals, and they are usually pretty packed.”