More than 100,000 people are expected to descend on downtown Lexington on Saturday for the 26th annual Barbecue Festival.
And despite the economic downturn, the festival will be as lavish as usual.
The festival has not lost any sponsors this year, said Stephanie Saintsing, the executive director of the festival.
"That is for a couple of reasons," she said.
"Mainly, it's because we're an established event. If you were trying to start a new event, this definitely would be a difficult environment, but some of our sponsors have been with us for 25 years.
"We've been able to maintain those sponsorships as well as bring in new folks over the years. I feel very fortunate we've been able to maintain our level of support, which is essential to keep the event free."
The budget for this year's festival is just over $200,000, which Saintsing said was about average.
Last year's festival had a budget of $225,000, which was higher because that was the festival's 25th year and there were some special events.
"We just carefully watch our spending," Saintsing said, "and put more emphasis on making every dollar count, take an extra look at every expense, and spend wisely."
The festival draws more than 125,000 visitors to Lexington each year.
They chow down on more than 15,000 pounds of barbecue, 560 gallons of barbecue slaw, 5,000 hot dogs, and 6,000 pounds of French Fries.
Childress Vineyards is putting out a 2009 version of its "Fine Swine Wine," a limited edition meant to be consumed with barbecue, with bottle label artwork by famed artist Bob Timberlake.
Timberlake and Richard Childress will be signing bottles from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the vineyard's tent.
Performers this year include Big Kenny of "Big & Rich" fame, Richie McDonald, Chris Young, and Megan Mullins.
The festival will run from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Shuttles will be available at the Wal-Mart off of I-85 Exit 91, Childress Vineyards, and the Davidson County governmental complex on North Main Street in Lexington.
Tickets are $2 round trip a person, and children under 12 ride free.
Weather forecasts give a chance of rain for Saturday, but Saintsing said that the festival will go on rain or shine.
"We're prepared for the weather, prepared for the crowds," she said.
"Whether it rains or it's sunny, we're going to have a lot of people in town."
tclodfelter@wsjournal.com.
727-7371
For more information on the Lexington Barbecue Festival, go to www.barbecuefestival.com or call 956-1880.
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