"Intended to be a one-time fundraiser last summer, the event’s popularity gave the Lacey Chamber of Commerce no choice but to bring it back [the second-annual South Sound Barbecue Festival at Cabela’s in Lacey, July 7].

The plan now is to hold the festival yearly on the Saturday after the Fourth of July, according to Tony Salas, chamber executive director.

The event attracted about 4,000 people last year. By 1 p.m. Saturday, organizers estimated that attendance was already double that.

Traffic was backed up to Marvin Road Northeast with a steady stream of cars that were directed to park in gravel lots off the business’ main property west of Marvin off Interstate 5.

Others parked in the median or off the side of the road and walked to the festival."

"Kim King of Yelm and her husband arrived 30 minutes before the event started at 11 a.m. hoping to avoid traffic. Major Seahawks fans, the couple wanted to see Blitz, the Sea Gals and Blue Thunder perform.

'And we love barbecue, too,' Kim said. 'We are browsing to see what’s out there.'

There were 11 professional BBQ vendors as well as 16 “Back Yard Joes” showing off their skills.

Participants paid for food and children’s activities with scripts purchased at the entrance of the event.

Temperatures reached into the low 80s Saturday," quoting the Tacoma News Tribune.
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