BuzzardFest to take flight on Saturday

Food, bluegrass music and birds will be on hand at the annual Bluegrass BuzzardFest Barbecue from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday at the Barn Theatre. The event is a yearly fundraiser for the Barn and features educational information about the birds which roost in the eucalyptus groves by the theater overnight. Porterville is just one stop on their migratory path.

“They migrate through Porterville and spend the night as they fly from their summer homes to their winter homes,” said Nicki Edwards, the Barn Theatre board president.

The one-night festival is the brain child of Ralph Bourne whom Edwards termed the “force behind it all.”

Bourne will not only be on hand to perform at the music festival, but will also be present to talk abut the birds.  

“Ralph Bourne usually gives fun facts about them,” added Edwards.

Featured artists are Patti Torrey, The String Bandits, Sycamore Bend and Ralph Bourne.

Attendees should bring their own chairs. Hay bales will be available to sit on.

Food options include hot dogs and polish dogs and alcoholic beverages as well as sodas will be available for purchase.

The admission price is $2 and food is extra.

According to Edwards, the money raised will go to support the Barn.