GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — The Clay County Fairgrounds was a flurry of activity Wednesday as preparations were underway for the First Coast Ham Jam. Back after more than a decade, the event hopes to be a signature for First Coast residents every fall season.
Ham Jam owner Ronnie Munsey has been a part of the festival since the beginning.
"The Chamber of Commerce started the event back in 1988," Munsey remembers. "For two years, I was a food vendor at the event."
After a while, Munsey says the Chamber of Commerce, "decided to give the event up and concentrate on chamber business and got out of the BBQ cooking business."
Munsey says organizers took the festival to another level by bringing in big-name entertainment. They even had Blake Shelton 12 years ago.
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Some names that will be there this weekend include the Curt Towne Band, Mark Chesnutt, John Taylor Band, Southern Rukus, Brett Myers, Colt Ford and up-and-coming country artist Katlyn Lowe.
But that's not all.
"We'll have some line dancing and a BMX show, and of coarse some of the best rides in the country," Munsey said.
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There's also a big BBQ cooking contest. There will be dozens of pitmasters from all over the state smoking it up for up to $10,000 in prizes. The competition will be in four categories -- ribs, shoulder/butt, brisket and chicken.
Organizers are expecting between 50,000 and 60,000 people at the Ham Jam.
"There's something here for everybody," Munsey said. "There's something for everybody here at the Ham Jam."
For a list of events, click here.