PICKENS — The 18th annual Blue Ridge Fest will take place Friday at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s headquarters in Pickens.

BLUE RIDGE FEST

The festival boasts the largest classic car cruise-in event in the Upstate, along with a Beach Night show and dance.

Special entertainment will feature Johnny Tillotson, The Shirelles with Shirley Alston Reeves and The Swingin’ Medallions. In 2014, Blue Ridge Fest attracted more than 6,000 people and raised more than $172,000 to benefit local non-profit organizations in Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties.

Since 1998, Blue Ridge Fest has donated nearly $1.8 million to numerous agencies in the Upstate area that provide those in need with basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and health care.

This year’s recipients include Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Developmental Center for Exceptional Children, Dot’s Kitchen of Westminster, Fair Play Camp School, Hidden Treasure Christian School, North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Rosa Clark Medical Clinic, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, The Dream Center of Pickens County, The Parenting Place-Prevent Child Abuse Pickens County and United Christian Ministries.

“We are pleased that for nearly two decades Blue Ridge Fest has enabled our company to give back a considerable amount to our local communities,” Blue Ridge president and CEO Charles Dalton said. “Your contribution and involvement, paired with our employees’ hard work and dedication, allow this event to be successful year after year.”

Blue Ridge Fest is organized and executed by 250 Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and Blue Ridge Security Solutions employee volunteers, enabling the festival to maximize its proceeds to benefit local charities. In addition, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is celebrating its 75th anniversary in August.

The event will take place from 6-10:30 p.m. at Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s covered outdoor facility at 734 W. Main St. in Pickens. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Children ages 7-12 are admitted for $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, while those ages 6 or younger are admitted for free. Attendees arriving in a classic car (1979 or older) with up to four people are admitted for $30. For classic cars, line-up begins at noon, and gates open at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueridge.coop/blueridgefest.