Many people like barbecue. Many like bacon. And many like both.
Dalton residents and others will have an opportunity to feast on both on Saturday, April 20, at the Burr Performing Arts Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the second annual BaconQue, a bacon- and barbecue-themed fundraiser for Family Frameworks, which works to build strong families, and Hope Spur, a Dalton nonprofit that raises funds to help people who can’t cover out-of-pocket costs for outpatient mental health treatment and counseling.
Admission is free.
“We did remarkably well last year,” said Christy Ware Payne, executive director of Hope Spur. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. We had a great time, and we are looking forward to having a great time this year.”
Dalton native and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Johnny “Joey” Jones is scheduled to a guest judge for the barbecue contest.
There will be musical acts on the Burr Park stage throughout the day.
“We will end the night with a local group, (Southern rock and country act) One For the Road,” said Payne. “They have a great following and always draw a big crowd. We are really grateful to have them.”
Payne promises the event will have “the most amazing food you will ever have. Right now, we have 10 food vendors lined up.”
Of course, there will be plenty of bacon and plenty of barbecue. But there will also be kettle corn, baked goods and desserts and more.
There will also be arts and crafts vendors and a bouncy house and other activities for children.
“We have so many amazing people coming,” said Payne.
Payne said the North Georgia area has a serious need for more mental health providers.
“Even people who have insurance, often can’t afford mental health treatment,” she said.
Founded in 2004, Family Frameworks representatives go into schools in Whitfield, Murray and Gordon counties to show students how to build successful lives and relationships.