Preparations are already underway for the 31st Annual BBQ on the River this weekend. This year's theme is “Homecoming Hoedown.”

From Thursday lunch through Saturday night, more than 100 vendors will line the streets of the event's traditional riverfront location from Broadway to Madison Street, serving up tons of barbecue pork and chicken, along with dozens of sides, desserts and drinks.

There'll also be vendors for shopping and children’s activities.

The ticketed Porkstock event will happen Wednesday night, then BBQ On The River opens to the public on Thursday.

The festival opens each day at 11 a.m.; live music begins at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, music starts at 11, then gives way to the BBQ award ceremony at 4 p.m. on the main stage.

More details are available on their Facebook page, and

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