By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

LEBANON - This Warren County seat gets blues with its barbecue this weekend.

The fifth annual Blues and Barbeque Festival will have extended hours this year, running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday on Mulberry Street between Broadway and Cherry.

"In years past, we found it was frequently so hot and humid that many people didn't come down to the festival until 7 or 8 pm," said Ed Smith, president of the Lebanon Optimist Club, which sponsors the festival. "This way they will have more time to enjoy the food and music."

Blues bands will include the Back Forty Blues Band, Blue Lou Boil, Willy Kay and the Midnighters, and Brown Street Breakdown. Chairs will be set up around the stage, or festival-goers can bring a blanket or their own lawn chairs.

Visitors can enjoy the music along with 30 food booths and a beer garden.

"We'll have 10 to 12 booths selling different types of barbecue, as well as everything from shaved ice to hot dogs," Smith said. Artists will offer handmade items, pottery, paintings, original photography and jewelry.

The festival is expected to draw 10,000 to 12,000 people. For information, call the Lebanon Optimist Club at 932-4281.