Set up for the Blues and Barbecue Festival in Heritage Park this weekend began Thursday.

Crews began by setting up barricades early this morning blocking off the section of sixth street between N. Jefferson and N. Washington streets. By mid afternoon the stage was up and crews were starting to hook up the electrical system.

The stage it self is smaller than the one used during Sundown Salute and comes in on a truck and has hydraulics that lift itself up. Rick Dykstra, Assistant Director of the Geary County Convention and Visitors Bureau was on hand to help with the setup today. ” It’s a lot of labor but we are lucky to have the combat vet association out here helping us and things are moving smoothly. We will be ready by tomorrow at five o’clock.”

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association has assisted with the stage setup for the past two years according to David Eckel, Association Commander. He commented that the work isn’t to bad, “There is some heavy lifting, the rest of it is just a big puzzle.”

The festival’s organizers are expecting a total turnout for the festival in the 7,000 to 8,000 people range, similar to the attendance for Jammin’ in JC in 2012.  Performers will include Katy Guillen Trio, Jonathon “Boogie” Long, and Trampled Under Foot on Friday night. The Saturday lineup includes The Reverend Jimmie Bratcher, Red State Blues Band, Kelly / Richey Band, and Back Porch Blues Band.

Multiple food vendors will be on hand as well, including Cox Brothers Barbecue and Munson Angus Beef, two of the festivals major sponsors. Many civic organizations will also be offering food through their booths including the Knights of Columbus, Geary County Historical Society, Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, and the Junction City Arts Council.