PICKENS — How old were you when Chubby Checker and The Twist kept you moving round and round and up and down on the dance floor? And more importantly, can you still do the Twist?

On May 13 at the 14th annual Blue Ridge Fest, Chubby Checker will take the stage and take you back to the ‘60s, when life was a little slower — unless you were on the dance floor.

A special event this year will be a Twist Contest. Everyone’s invited to give it a try and one talented Twister will walk away with $500.

Also appearing on stage on Friday evening will be Jim Quick and Coastline and The Flashbacks. To set the mood for the evening’s music, more than 500 classic automobiles are expected to be on hand for the largest cruise-in in the Upstate.

This year, thirteen local charities have been chosen to receive the proceeds from the Blue Ridge Fest. They are Anderson Free Clinic, Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Golden Corner Food Bank, Haven of Rest Ministries, Helping Hands of Clemson, Hidden Treasure Christian School, Oconee Presbyterian Service Fund, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, Rosa Clark Medical Clinic Association, Sabrina House Children’s Charity, Samaritan Health Clinic of Pickens County, SHARE (Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources) and United Christian Ministries.

These and other agencies have received more than $1 million from Blue Ridge Fest during the past 13 years.

Saturday morning, May 14, motorcycles will again be heard leaving the co-op for the annual Blue Ridge Charity Ride and Poker Run. One lucky biker will win the grand prize of $1,000, but everyone who rides can enjoy the day and know that they have helped provide for someone in need.

Blue Ridge President and CEO Charles Dalton is excited about this year’s entertainment.
“We’re so fortunate to have secured Chubby Checker here, live in Pickens, for our event,” Dalton said. “He’s still very active in the music world and will be performing his legendary ‘60s hits, as well as hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s. People young and old know about ‘The Twist.’ I want to invite everyone to join us as we relive those early years with Chubby Checker.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for the event, visit www.blueridgefest.com or call 1-800-240-3400.