The roar of cannon fire and the pungent smell of gunpowder filled the air at Fort McAllister State Park on Saturday, marking its annual Labor Day Festival.
But this year, after the Civil War demonstrations ended, holiday revelers also had the chance to enjoy the inaugural Fort McAllister Blues and BBQ Festival, sponsored by the Friends of Fort McAllister State Park.
“We had a great turnout for the Blues and BBQ event for our first year,” said Interpretive Park Ranger Palley Kirkland. “It was well run by our new Friends of the park group. I believe we could make it an annual event.”
The fort’s Labor Day program began Saturday morning with cannon and musket firings, as well as blacksmithing demonstrations and more. And by early evening, the Blues and BBQ Festival was in full swing.
Live music from The Fundamentals filled the air while families played games, enjoyed plates of barbecue and even tried their luck on the greased-pole challenge.
The evening came to a close with fireworks display.
The proceeds from the event will go toward new programs at the park, as well as renovations and upkeep of the campgrounds, cottages and historical sites.
But this year, after the Civil War demonstrations ended, holiday revelers also had the chance to enjoy the inaugural Fort McAllister Blues and BBQ Festival, sponsored by the Friends of Fort McAllister State Park.
“We had a great turnout for the Blues and BBQ event for our first year,” said Interpretive Park Ranger Palley Kirkland. “It was well run by our new Friends of the park group. I believe we could make it an annual event.”
The fort’s Labor Day program began Saturday morning with cannon and musket firings, as well as blacksmithing demonstrations and more. And by early evening, the Blues and BBQ Festival was in full swing.
Live music from The Fundamentals filled the air while families played games, enjoyed plates of barbecue and even tried their luck on the greased-pole challenge.
The evening came to a close with fireworks display.
The proceeds from the event will go toward new programs at the park, as well as renovations and upkeep of the campgrounds, cottages and historical sites.