ST. JOSEPH — For the second year in a row, St. Joseph will be providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to sample local barbeque creations along with regional wines and beers while enjoying bluegrass and blues music.

Sponsored by Chemical Bank, “BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass—A Taste of Michigan” will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at Whirlpool Centennial Park, which is just below the bluff in St. Joseph.

“We’ll have Lark’s, as well as Charlie’s Piggin’ and Grinnin’,” said Jill Stone, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “We’ll actually have the Greenbush Brisket Van. In addition to that, we’ll have food from Silver Beach Pizza, the Bistro, Coach’s Bar and Grille. Piggot’s Farm Market and Bakery will provide for your dessert needs.”

With that many choices, barbeque lovers of all varieties should be able to find a flavor that suits their tastes.

A beverage tent, sponsored by Bud Distributing, will also provide a wide variety of beverages for event-goers to choose from.

“You should bring your appetite, and obviously come thirsty because we’re going to have eight beers on tap. We’re also going to have six wines available for purchase,” Stone said. “And, in addition to that, we’ll have some bottled soda for the kids.”

Sponsored by the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust, four bands with unique sounds will provide the afternoon’s entertainment. Slim Gypsy Baggage will kick off the show at 12:15 p.m., followed by Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues at 2:15 p.m.

Then, Greensky Bluegrass will take the stage at 4:15, and Mountain Heart will round out the bill at 6:15 p.m. WIRX 107.1 and WYTZ 97.5 Y-Country are additional event sponsors.

Stone noted that the festival is a family event. Activities at the nearby Silver Beach Center, and shops in downtown St. Joseph will add to the festival’s activities.

However, due to the nature of the event, pets should be left at home.

“We can’t bring the animals this time, but we are encouraging folks to bring blankets and lawn chairs. You can bring those in and set up your seats,” Stone said.

Entry to the event is free, but a donation of $5 is requested, which will be used to offset the cost of future events.

“This will be a great way for families and friends to celebrate spring and kick start beach season,” said Stone.