Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass Event Scheduled for May 15-16

The 5th Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville is scheduled for May 15-16, 2009. This event features delicious southern barbeque, family-friendly activities and free bluegrass concerts. Barbeque cook teams from all over the nation gather in Sevierville, Tennessee to compete for $15,000 in cash & prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion.

On Friday, May 15, guests will want to take time to stroll through the “Que Zone,” where cooks will be preparing their barbeque specialties. The Eating Tent is the place to gather after you pile your plate high, as a variety of entertainment will be available throughout the event. Plus, Summertown Road, Cherryholmes and Marty Raybon will be performing Friday night, at 5pm, 6:30pm, & 8pm respectively.

On Saturday, May 16, a Kids’ Que event takes place for children 6 -16, sponsored by the Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union. The championship cook teams will be mastering their BBQ recipes throughout the day, and at 4pm, the winners are scheduled to be announced. Categories include Chicken, Ribs, Pork, Brisket, and specialty categories like “Anything Bush Beans” and Dessert. Performers on Saturday include Mountain Ruckus at 1pm, Barry Scott at 1:50pm & 3:30pm, Charlie Sizemore Band at 2:40pm & 4:15pm, Daily & Vincent at 5pm, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier at 6:30pm and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver at 8pm.

Along with Championship Barbeque, the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass event is presenting their 5th Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals on May 16. The competition honors Dolly Parton, and participants must sing a song written by Dolly Parton, of which there are more than 3,000, in any style of their choice. The Kids’ Zone also returns this year, and is bigger and better than ever. It will provide climbing walls, bounce houses, and old time toys to play with so fun can be had by those of all ages. The Bluegrass Music Tent will also give kids and adults who are still kids at heart the opportunity to play instruments like banjos & fiddles, all with an instructor on site. Both the Kids’ Zone & the Music Tent will be open until 9pm both Friday and Saturday.