LEXINGTON – Heavy rain didn’t stop those who attended the 26th annual Lexington Barbecue Festival from enjoying the city’s world-famous barbecue Saturday.

With bursts of rain falling on the festival, lines still formed around 9:30 a.m. for people purchasing barbecue in Uptown Lexington. Those festivalgoers eventually rushed to get shelter or ate sandwiches under their umbrellas.

Taking shelter underneath a canopy at BB&T Bank, Lexington resident Tad Proctor said his city’s barbecue “is always the best” after just eating a sandwich. Like many others, Proctor said he has attended the barbecue festival all 26 years.

“I was in Atlanta this week, and they’ve heard about it down there,” he said. “It’s been on the Travel Channel. Lexington is becoming known for barbecue, which is good, considering what else has happened with this with town with the textiles.”

Restaurants that participated in the event included The Barbecue Center, Speedy’s Barbecue, John Wayne’s Lexington Barbecue, Stamey’s Barbecue, Whitley’s BBQ, Smokey Joe’s Barbecue and Jimmy’s Barbecue.

Mark Everhart, who served as the operations manager for John Wayne’s Lexington Barbecue and Stamey’s Barbecue tent, said employees began cooking as early as 5:30 a.m. at the festival. While some lined up for barbecue in the rain, Everhart said the rain did cause business to be slow. He had hoped for it to pick up by afternoon.

Kelly Evans, of Charleston, S.C., brought her father, Mack Evans, to the festival because he is a big fan of the bands Coastline and Chairmen of the Board, which both performed at the festival. Kelly Evans was also joined by her husband, Shane Langdale, and their five children.

“I think it’s huge,” Kelly Evans said of The Barbecue Festival. “I didn’t realize it was so big. If the weather was better, it would be much better.”

Aside from Coastline and Chairmen of the Board, the festival featured country music stars Chris Young, David Nail, Joey & Rory, Megan Mullins, Richie McDonald and Big Kenny.

dignasiak@hpe.com 888-3657