September 9-11: The West Virginia State Bluegrass & BBQ Festival a.k.a Pickin’ in the Panhandle

Pickin’ in the Panhandle celebrates the best of barbecue, family, and bluegrass and roots music with twenty-eight bands on three stages this weekend in Hedgesville, WV. Located about an hour from the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD, areas, the Lazy A Campground in Back Creek Valley (just eight miles off Interstate 81) will be filled with the sounds of bluegrass, newgrass, and other roots music—all mixed with the smell of mouth-watering, smoky BBQ. You are welcome to do a little pickin’ of your own, or just sit back and enjoy some of the best musical acts from the region and beyond.

Let’s break it down.

Eats and Drink:
• There’s a Beer Garden for those 21 and older (bring your ID)
• BBQ Row will keep you satisfied with not only amazing BBQ, but a variety of grub, like fried pickles, kettle corn, fruit smoothies, and subs

Entertainment, Art, Food, and Freebies:
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle have sponsored a Kids Korner for the munchkins
• Get free sample CDs from bands, like Circa Blue, at their merch tent (take a listen)
• There’s an Arts & Crafts Barn where you can pick up everything from a hula hoop to an acoustic guitar
• See if Hambones by the Fire, the 2009 and 2010 WV State BBQ Grand Champion, can be dethroned in this year’s Pro KCBS West Virginia State BBQ Competition
• And just as exciting, if not more so, will be the BBQ slaying going on in the Backyard BBQ Cookoff
• Show off your pickin’ and playin’ skills in the music contests
• Learn from the masters in the Strummin’ and Hummin’ Tent