Blue Ridge will continue the charity fundraising

The spread of COVID-19 means neither Ronnie Millsap, nor Restless Heart, nor the Tams will take the stage in Pickens. The 23rd Annual Blue Ridge Fest has been cancelled, but the performers are being invited for next year’s. It’s with sadness that the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative must cancel the event, but the spirit behind why it’s held each year will endure. Jim Lovinggood, Blue Ridge president/CEO, is asking festival sponsors to still fill out commitment cards and allow checks previously sent to be given as usual to the various charities that Blue Ridge designates within its multi-county service area. Lovinggood said, “While we will miss the cars and the music, the real losers will be our communities if we fail to provide funding for these local charities.” Blue Ridge plans to wait until May 1 to announce the final dollar amount to be disbursed. Meantime Blue Ridge employees continue to raise money for the charities.