The Tri-State BBQ Festival has made the decision to keep entertainment affordable in the Wiregrass, and not go up on ticket prices in 2012. Although many festivals are charging more, and certainly concerts charge a lot more, it is the hope of the BBQ Festival to keep the event priced so families can enjoy quality entertainment without breaking the bank.
The decision doesn’t come lightly, as entertainer prices and other expenses have soared over the past year. Most promoters have suggested that we should increase our ticket prices to $20+ a head so that we can raise the revenue to secure a larger entertainment act. Heck, even the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo charged $15 for every man, woman and child entering the facility in 2011. (I took my kids and we stayed for about an hour, but still had to pay $15 a piece to look at vendors even though it was early and there wasn’t any entertainment on the stage.)
It was actually that experience that fueled a fire in me to fight for the lowest possible ticket price, so that families can attend and not break their budget. And, that’s why we have worked really, really hard to get sponsors to cover many of the larger expenses at the festival. We are working on once again having free activities for both adults and children once inside the Festival. (We had free bouncers for kids to play on last year, as well as a craft activity and a cooking demonstration for adults.) We would like to increase the number of cooking demonstrations and free activities this year, if we can secure sponsors to cover these expenses.
On Saturday we also offer unlimited BBQ sampling from 2:30-4:00pm. This means that, included with your minimal entry fee, you can sample all the BBQ you can hold! This is our people’s choice event, and you eat all you like then vote for your favorites. (More on this competition later, after a couple of details are confirmed.)
Plus, there’s great entertainment both days on the stage. We will be announcing the acts soon, and we are also in the process of financing a smaller acoustic stage area located inside one of the beer tents. The entertainment is also included in your ticket.
Once again, there will be a limited number of $5 advance tickets for sale on the internet ( www.tristatebbq.com ) through the ticket tab that will link you to EventBrite. Eventbrite charges $1+ per ticket for processing fees, but it’s easy and convenient to print off your ticket from home. There are separate tickets for Friday night and the BBQ Bash that benefits the Wiregrass United Way 2-1-1 program, and a separate ticket for Saturday’s activities as well.
There are 1,000 of each ticket available for $5 online until March 31, 2012 or until supplies are depleted. Then, ticket prices are as follows:
Adult ticket for either Friday or Saturday $10, Student or Senior Citizen ticket for either day is just $5, and little kids 6 and under are admitted free. (To get either the student or senior ticket, just ask at the gate. Students in HS or college may be asked to show school ID. Seniors are considered people over 65. Again, ID may be requested.)
Thousands of student tickets will also be distributed through the Five Star Credit Union creative writing contest, “Pig Tales” which will begin next month. Details will soon be posted on this site as well. Basically if your child in grades 3-8 and submits a story through the program, the will be awarded a free admission ticket, and they have a shot at a $100 prize.
Thank you to the many businesses and corporate sponsors who support this event. They are the reason we can provide quality, affordable entertainment in the Wiregrass!
