Sevierville’s 3rd Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass event, held May 18 and 19 in downtown Sevierville, set an attendance record with 27,500 people during the two day event. Thanks in part to excellent weather, event-goers turned out in droves to enjoy the barbeque, music, crafts and fun.
A record fifty-two cook teams attended the Bush’s Best Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off held during the event, with Lotta Bull BBQ from Marietta, Oklahoma, claiming Grand Champion and Bill and the Dixie Chicks from Ocala, Florida taking Reserve Grand Champion. The Mountain Soul Vocal Competition was also a hot contest with great singers from a variety of states belting out Dolly Parton tunes. Five-hundred dollars and a Nashville recording session went to the first place winner in the 13+ category, Rachel Holder from Birchwood, Tennessee, who sang White Limozeen. First place in the 12 and under category went to Morgan Kate Trammell from Murfreesboro, Tennessee who sang Two Doors Down.
“Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass would not have been possible without the help and support of so many people,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce Marketing Coordinator Amanda Maples Marr. “We would like to thank each and every person who has made the event possible. We look forward to next year’s Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass on May 16 and 17, 2008.”