Blues, bikes fest to boost Crossroads Mission

Yuma-area residents are invited to the inaugural Blues, Bikes and Barbecue Festival to raise funds for Crossroads Mission.

The festival, which is free to the public, is from 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at Bobby's Territorial Harley-Davidson, 2550 E. Gila Ridge Road. Three bands — The Gruuve Masters, The Waters Band, and Tommy and the Drifters — are scheduled to play throughout the event.

There will be “music nonstop, barbecue ribs and chicken plates,” said Lonnie Meade, a member of Tommy and the Drifters, and an event organizer.

The barbecue plates are $6 each. The plates will be served by volunteers with Crossroads Mission.

All proceeds from the barbecue will be given to Crossroads Mission, a nonprofit organization offering individualized programs leading to stable employment and independent living for the chemically dependent, the underprivileged and the homeless of Yuma County and surrounding areas.

While the event is free, organizers encourage attendees to donate nonperishable food items which will be given to the mission. Those who donate food will automatically be entered into a contest to win a free trip to Las Vegas, or their choice of several other destinations.

“A can of peas might win you a trip to Vegas,” Meade said.

Meade will also provide free blues harmonica lessons to anyone interested during the festival while not on stage performing with his band.

Event organizers felt it was important to help Crossroads Mission in advance of the oncoming holidays, a time of year when the nonprofit is heavily burdened by providing for the needs of the underprivileged, Meade said.

The festival “is timed really well because it is right before Thanksgiving. We have the advantage of the weather and the folks that come with it, including bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts, and out of town blues enthusiasts.”

For more information, call 782-1931.