The Franklin Noon Rotary Club has announced the return of their fifth-annual Great Americana BBQ Festival, benefitting the Franklin Noon Rotary Charitable Foundation, to take place on Friday, Aug. 27 and Saturday, Aug. 28 of 2021 at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm located in Franklin, Tenn. 

On Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., patrons (ages 21+) will enjoy a cocktail hour and seated dinner from Puckett’s Restaurant while listening to live jazz music. After dinner, guests can observe special presentations from songwriters Billy Montana and James Dean Hicks. Throughout Friday evening, attendees will have the chance to watch as Professional and Backyard contestants prepare for multiple categories of the Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned BBQ Competition.

Saturday’s family-friendly festivities will take place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and include a Rib-shootout, Corn Hole Tournament, Vintage Car Show, Kids Zone and Craft Vendors. The Tennessee Distillers Guild will host a Tasting Area where festival-goers (ages 21+) can sample Tennessee whiskey, rum, rye, vodka and moonshine from fourteen distilleries. With a lineup including School of Rock, 2 Country 4 Nashville and Music City Stones, live performances will take place all day.

When speaking about the festival, Bill Foley, Festival Executive Director stated, “We’ve received great feedback from the public for the BBQ Festival in the past, and this year’s festival is a culmination of so many great ideas and unique perspectives. I’m really excited for all the new elements, like the Rib Shoot-out, Corn Hole Tournament and Friday Night Dinner.”

Tickets for Friday evening are $150 and include entry for Saturday. Tickets for Saturday’s family-friendly event start at $20 online ($25 at the door), with kids aged 12 and under enter free of charge.

About the Franklin Noon Rotary Club – Founded in 1948, the Franklin Noon Rotary Club is in its seventh decade of service to Middle Tennessee, during which time it has raised over $4 million for community needs. FNRC is known for its sponsorship of the Franklin Rodeo, which is the longest running annual event in Williamson County. Rotary’s international mission is to rid the world of Polio and living with the motto, “Service Above Self.”

For more information, please visit www.greatamericanabbqfestival.com.