Dear Editor,

Let us begin by saying thank you again to the 250-plus volunteers of the KY State BBQ Festival — they all put on another amazing show — 27,000 people from all over the U.S.A. visited Danville. And from the vast majority of the praises, both written and verbalized, from folks who came, people left with a “great taste in their mouth” of Danville.

We loved being downtown. It showcases our community to the many visitors from all over the world. The first year was apparent the BBQ Festival was going to be a huge success and needed more space.

The BBQ Festival requested closure of Main between Second and Third Street for several years. Our thought was this would allow for growth of the festival and drive people into the heart of downtown Danville.

Every year we requested to expand, we were met with challenges that simply could not be worked out. Moving from downtown Danville was not an easy decision for the board, much thought and logistical considerations were made before making the decision.

The move allowed the festival room for growth to another beautiful location in Danville. Traffic was a concern because it was an unknown, how many and when.  Being the first year at the distillery a learning curve is to be expected and we learned plenty. We have many plans to make next year even better.

Thanks to everyone who braved the traffic on Saturday and came to the festival, and for their understanding that a new location — unexpected kinks need to be worked out. For those who did not attend the festival, we hope you will make plans to attend next year to enjoy this wonderful weekend of fun, food, friends and be part of the “BBQ family”.

We would like to thank Wilderness Trail Distillery for graciously hosting us, City of Danville, Boyle County Fiscal Court, Boyle County Sheriff, Danville Police, EMS, and Danville Fire Department and as always, the sponsors and hundreds of volunteers who made this year’s festival a success.

The Kentucky State BBQ Festival Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3)non-profit. It operates as an all-volunteer board and over 250 volunteers who make it happen. Revenue generated benefits the Heart of Kentucky United Way, which in fact, is the single largest fundraising event the Heart of Kentucky United Way has. The festival has raised over $136,000 for HKUW.

The Kentucky State BBQ Festival Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors

Rick Waldon

Brad Simmons

Cindy Simmons

Clay Albright

Jeanna Hutchinson

Myrna Miller – director Emerita