‘Smoke On The Water’ Festival

Smoke On The Water, BBQ and Bluegrass Festival. Nothing compares to an outdoor festival – especially when it’s by the water. The Third Annual ‘Smoke On The Water’ Barbecue Cook-Off and Bluegrass Festival was held on Bickley’s Lake on the outskirts of Thomaston, Georgia, on Friday and Saturday, April 2nd & 3rd. A community event, people of all ages could be seen enjoying the festival.

According to Mike Brown, a neighbor and volunteer at the event, some 4000 people attended the Friday night session. The featured performer that night was Brantley Gilbert, a well known entertainer in the South. Saturday night’s feature was Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band who is from Thomaston. Many local favorite bands played throughout the event.

Of course, a definite favorite of everyone’s was the barbecue cook-off. Over 50 barbecue teams participated of which 45 were professional teams. WOW! Plenty of awesome barbecue was available. Awards were presented to the winners late Saturday afternoon.

Festival food was abundant. My favorite was the ‘Spiral Potatoes’. I met the fine folks who operate this stand, but unfortunately I didn’t get their names. The ‘Spiral Potatoes’ were delicious.

Other events included a kids’ play area and the popular ‘Greased Pig Chase’.

Mike Brown said Bickley’s Farm is 100 acres with a 30-acre lake. Bickley’s Lake also holds other events throughout the year. Mike’s friend (sorry, I didn’t get his name) built this portable fireplace. They call it the ‘Redneck Chimenay’. The fire felt pretty good after dark since the night air was a little chilly on the lake.

Definitely make plans now for next years’ “Smoke on the Water‘ BBQ and Bluegrass Festival, in Thomaston, GA.

Sources:
1. Mike Brown
2. BBQandBluegrassFestival.com
3. The Thomaston Times

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