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Love Barbeque? Drive on Over!
By Margaret Boyes
Barbeque. The word alone arouses my senses and conjures up images that get my mouth to water as I envision biting into a succulent, tasty, tender, flavorful and aromatic meat.
As common to the south as grits, barbecue is considered a truly American dish. Not an import from another country or culture, but born in the USA. The differences in barbeque are based on whether you are from Texas or North Carolina. Texans consider barbeque to be beef. Virginians and North Carolinian’s enjoy pork.
Me, I enjoy the delicious meat regardless, and this year I look forward to judging and sampling ribs, brisket, chicken and pork at Lynchburg, Virginia’s James River Barbeque Festival, Sept. 26 and 27.
The James River Barbeque Festival in just one year has become a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event and has grown by one more day. KCBS is the largest international association of barbeque enthusiasts and sanctions barbeque contests from Florida to British Columbia, Canada.
The festival features musical headliners such as the Embers, Percy Sledge and the Rockin’ Roadhouse, a band consisting of country greats Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence.
If the music doesn’t grab your attention, you WILL be tempted by the possibility of eating some deliciously hot and tasty award-winning barbeque. Winners of the James River Barbeque Festival’s professional competition will receive $15,000 worth of cash prizes. Backyard Barbeque Bash competitors will also win prizes.
If you have children, bring them with you on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. They’ll enjoy storytelling, making crafts and other entertaining activities for the entire family.
Adults will especially enjoy the evening performances while eating barbeque, drinking your favorite beverage and listening to great music. Evening events require an admission. Daytime activities are free.
Here’s something else that’s wonderful about this festival -- proceeds will benefit the greater Lynchburg area nonprofit organizations. A feel good all over invitation, wouldn’t you say?
It’s easy to get to 1312 Jefferson Street in Lynchburg too. Out of Northern Virginia follow Route 66 West to Route 29 South toward Lynchburg and take the downtown exit. Follow signs to parking.
Festival hours are Friday from 5-11 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. You may also log onto
www.jrbbq.com for more information. Hope to see you there. I’ll be the one with the curly hair and barbeque stains on my shirt.
Make it a weekend visit as Lynchburg and the surrounding area feature a lot of Virginia history and interesting sights. Information: 800 732 5821
www.Lynchburgchamber.org
Margaret Boyes is Roanoke, VA based writer. She is a sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society judge who will participate in this year’s James River Barbeque Festival. She can be reached at
mboyes@jlapr.com or by phone at (540) 989-5050.
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