When the publicity hit recently about the need for volunteers at the 17th annual Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival, there was a great response according to Gail Muir, volunteer coordinator. She reports that many positions have been filled, but there are still some jobs that arent spoken for.

We are so pleased with the way the community is responding this year. However, there are still some spots available during all five of the shifts (two on Friday and three on Saturday). We need people to help with soda/water sales,the recycling effort, the craft area, the cooker store, BBQ Buck sales, BBQ merchandise sales, and wristband sales, Muir said, and we need help during the evening shift on Saturday night for beer and wine sales.

Shift times on Friday are 2:30 to 7 p.m. and 6:30 to 11 p.m. On Saturday, there are three shifts: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1:30 to 6 p.m., and 5:30 to 11 p.m.

The festival is right around the corner, on June 11 and 12. If youve been sitting on the fence, now is the time to jump in and become a part of this community tradition. Call the festival office at 828-859-7427, or visit the website at www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com to get an application. Or, you can send an email to volunteers@blueridgebbqfestival.com – be sure to give your name, phone number and complete mailing address.

Volunteers receive free festival admission both days, a free T-shirt, and free bottled water.

The festival runs from 3 to 11 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday. There is no charge for children 12 and under accompanied by an adult. There is a two-for-one discount for seniors on Friday until 4 p.m., and kids can enjoy unlimited rides on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. for a small fee. Also, theres a coupon for one dollar off Fridays admission that can be downloaded from the festival website: www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com.

The Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival is conducted annually under the auspices of the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from the Festival help support chamber operations and all additional proceeds go to the Carolina Foothills Chamber Foundation to be returned to the community through distributions to a variety of programs and projects throughout the county. For more information, visit the website or call 828-859-RIBS (7427).