The smell of ribs and the sounds of good music are sure to make their way through Roachdale this Saturday as the annual Roachdale Rib and Blues Fest is slated to take place.

The festivities will be held along the north side of Railroad Street with the gates opening at noon and the music beginning at 2 p.m. with Fret Set, Scott Ballantine and Andra Fay, and Bubbles Brown before head liner Jennie DeVoe rocks the show at 6 p.m. 

This year's event will feature numerous food vendors, including Wally's BBQ, Delta Theta Tau, Indy Porkopolis BBQ and more. In addition, Big Lug Brewing Company and Blackhawk Winery will be on hand for beer and wine, and there are plenty of retail vendors slated to be in attendance. 

Other highlights of this year's event include an old-time hardware exhibit and the dedication of two more Roachdale murals. 

Joe Buser, of the Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance, told the Putnam County Post this year marks the 8th year the event has entertained Putnam County and Roachdale. 

"One of our board members, for a few years, held a private rib competition party for friends. When we looked at having an event to bring more people to Roachdale, we decided to continue with her tradition. We added music and food vendors. After seven years, we dropped the competition from our event because attendees wanted to taste the competitor's ribs and that became not practical. This year's highlights include our mural dedication, coverage from WISH-TV and scene filming for the new documentary titled, "North Putnam," Buser said. 

Buser has one final message to those considering attending. 

"Bring a chair. Donations are accepted so we can keep this a free, community event," he said. 

For more information about this year's event, contact the Roachdale town office at 522-1532.