PICKENS — Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions have announced that the 19th annual Blue Ridge Fest will take place Friday, May 6, at the cooperative’s headquarters in Pickens.

The proceeds from this year’s event will benefit 12 different nonprofit organizations in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

Blue Ridge Fest presents the largest classic car cruise-in event in the Upstate, featuring more than 500 classic cars annually, along with a Beach Night concert and dancing.

In 2015, Blue Ridge Fest attracted more than 6,000 attendees from across the Southeast and raised a total of $185,000.

“Blue Ridge Fest celebrated its most successful event to date last year, which brought our fundraising total to more than $2 million raised over the last 18 years,” Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative president and CEO Charles Dalton said. “This is a huge milestone for our dedicated employee volunteers who work tirelessly year after year to put on this family festival to support all of the organizations that help many in need in our community.”

The charities that will receive funds in 2016 include: Cancer Association of Anderson, Collins Children’s Home & Ministries, Center for Developmental Services, Dot’s Kitchen, Emerson Rose Heart Foundation, Feed A Hungry Child, Foothills Alliance, North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Rosa Clark Medical Center, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, The Dream Center of Pickens County and Wilderness Way Camp School. Beneficiaries are selected by the Blue Ridge Fest planning committee, comprised of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions employees, who receive almost 100 submissions from local nonprofit organizations each year.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s outdoor facility at 734 W. Main St. in Pickens. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Children ages 7-12 are admitted for $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, while those ages 6 or younger are admitted free. Attendees arriving in a classic car (1979 or older) with up to four people are admitted for $30. For classic cars, line-up begins at 2 p.m., and gates open at 3 p.m.

For more information about the event and charities or to purchase tickets online, visit blueridge.coop/blueridgefest or call (800) 240-3400.