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said. “This is a family-friendly event
and we have something for every-
body.”
Swope, who has been with the
chamber of commerce for two
decades, said she feels fortunate to be
able to organize and oversee the event
as it is an opportunity to see the entire
festival fromthe start to the end.
The event is her favorite in the com-
munity, however, for a different reason.
“This event raises money for the
non-profits in the community which
benefits our residents, which benefits
the community as a whole. It's just
very gratifying.”
Swope said that she is always very
grateful to both the sponsors of the
event and the vendorswho participate.
“Every year, these vendors just step
up their game,” she said. “Blues Brews
and Barbecue has become so popular,
there is such a great demand from the
crowds, we have had years that some
of our vendors have actually run out of
food. They step up more and more
every year,” she said.
She added that the response every
year to the entertainment is always
phenomenal and that they try to
change it and add new entertainment
while keeping the crowd favorites like
theSoulMen.
“We have a guy from the Detroit
Blues Society who helps us with those
acts,” she said. “The response from the
crowds is always terrific.”
Swope said she expects the crowds
to increase again this year as the event
continues to grow inpopularity.
“It really is a very family friendly,
community event,” she concluded.
