By Sophie Nulph
The second Fort Ben BBQ and Blues Festival is set for Sept. 14.
Gates open at noon and music lasts until 7 p.m. at the Cherry Tree Root Pavilion in Fort Harrison State Park.
Event Chair Don McQuade said organizers began talking about creating the festival 3 1/2 years years ago.
“McCormick’s Creek State Park has had a blues festival for 10 years this year,” McQuade said. “We thought, you know what, if they can do it, what a great place our park would be to have a blues festival.”
Festival admisstion is free but park admission is $7 for Indiana residents and $9 for out-of-state residents. Season park passes are accepted.
Food will be available for purchase from The Garrison, Wild Boar BBQ and Taste of Home Catering. There also will be a beer garden sponsored by Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier and the City of Lawrence.
Four bands will perform live music.
John Ford will play at 1 p.m., followed by Bill Lancton and Jimmy Davis at 2:30 p.m. Queen Delphine and the Crown Jewels will perform at 4 p.m. King Bee and the Stingers will wrap up the festival beginning at 5 p.m.
“I just love the blues and the performers just get the crowd into it and just play wonderfully and enthusiastically,” McQuade said. “(I) sit back and watch everybody have a great time and enjoy the food.”
Proceeds fund the festival and park maintenance work.