BLUE RIDGE FEST

PICKENS — Excitement is building as the date for the 18th annual Blue Ridge Fest gets closer.

Blue Ridge Co-op president and CEO Charles Dalton said he thinks this year’s entertainment will be the best ever.

“I believe this group of entertainers has more top-10 hits collectively than any group of talent we’ve seen here before,” he said. “The music alone will make it a night to remember.”

First to take the stage will be The Swingin’ Medallions, a group that sold more than a million copies of their famous release, “Double Shot of My Baby’s Love.” The next entertainer will be Shirley Alston Reeves with the Shirelles, performing their popular 60s hits such as “Soldier Boy” and “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.”

This year’s headliner is two-time Grammy nominee Johnny Tillotson, singing his top tunes, including “Poetry in Motion,” and the self-penned, “It Keeps Right On a-Hurtin’.”

The music will start at 6 p.m. on May 8 and continue until 10:30 p.m. at the covered outdoor facility at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, located at 734 W. Main St., Pickens. Tickets can be purchased in advance at a discount, so call 800-240-3400 or visit blueridgefest.com to order yours today.

The classic car cruise-in adds just one more layer to an already special night, bringing 500-600 beautifully restored or carefully kept original vehicles of the vintage era prior to 1979. Appreciated by young and old alike, the cars are a tribute to an easier time when memories were made cruising with your best friends. Gates open at 2 p.m. for classic cars, with special pricing available for the event.

Blue Ridge Fest has raised more than $1.8 million dollars for local charities since its beginning in 1998. Last year alone saw proceeds of $179,000. This year, 12 Upstate organizations that help people in Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens counties will benefit from the event. They are Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, Dot’s Kitchen, Fair Play Camp School, Hidden Treasure Christian School, North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Rose Clark Medical Clinic, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, The Dream Center of Pickens County, The Parenting Place-Prevent Child Abuse of Pickens County and United Christian Ministries.

“We want you to enjoy Blue Ridge Fest, but we hope that you understand how important your support and attendance is to the many people that need help right here in our local communities,” Dalton said. “When you buy a ticket, a T-shirt, or a hamburger, you’re helping someone that can’t quite make it on their own. Blue Ridge Fest is our employee’s way of giving back to the community, but we would not be successful without you. Join us on May 8 for Blue Ridge Fest and enjoy great times for great causes.”