Plans are well under way for the 21st annual Blue Ridge BBQ Festival to be held June 13-14, 2014, at Harmon Field in Tryon.

The first major announcement from the steering committee is its new leader. Mike Karaman takes over from Chuck Britton, who has served as festival chairman for the past three years.

“What a great feeling it is to know that I will be working with such an outstanding leadership team,” Karaman said. “Under the direction of Chuck Britton and the chairmen who have gone before him, this awesome group of people and all the volunteers who help have made this one of the best run events in the country. Without our volunteers, we don’t have a festival. They are truly appreciated.”

Britton said he is happy he can step down with the festival having met its financial goals.

“I am proud of the job we’ve done these past three years, and I have nothing but praise for all who have given their time and talent to make this a really viable event,” he said.

Karaman is not a newcomer to the barbecue conference table. He began serving in 1996 — recruited by then-chairman Andy Millard — and helped with merchandise, then beverages through 1999. In 2000, he was named chairman and, with only six weeks to go until the festival that year, was transferred out of state by his employer.

Fast forward a dozen years and Mike has returned — a young retiree with energy and a desire to contribute — in the 20th anniversary event this past June as vice chairman “shadowing” Britton, and this coming year with his hand firmly on the helm.

Since returning to Tryon, both Mike and his wife, Kim, are enjoying second careers. Mike owns and operates Karaman Properties Inc., and does new construction, renovations and additions as well as managing properties.

Kim is a realtor working with the Sheelah Clarkson Agency. They also own Landrum Antiques and Furniture Company. The couple has a daughter, Lauren, an aspiring actress and singer who is a senior at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

If you would like to volunteer or just want more information on the festival, visit www.BlueRidgeBBQFestival.com or call 828-859-RIBS (7427).

– article submitted by Brenda Bradshaw