FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Bigger, better than before

There’s something for everyone at the 17 th Annual Old Capitol Blues and BBQ Festival, hosted by Downtown Springfield Inc. The food lineup is mouthwatering, with vendors offering everything from ribs, pulled pork, brisket, chicken wings, potato salad, fried green tomatoes, BBQ nachos, kabobs, desserts and more. Winners of the BBQ competitions will be announced Saturday at 5 p.m., including several attendee-selected winners in categories such as the “People’s Choice Favorite BBQ,” “Festive Booth” and “Hospitality.” A variety of styles of the blues will be represented by distinguished blues musicians during the festival, including headliners Brandon Santini and His Band and Southern Hospitality. Many local acts will perform as well, such as The MojoCats, The PaperRoute and Blues Expressions. Don’t miss the 10th Annual Illinois Central Blues Club Challenge at 5 p.m. on Friday, where bands, solo performers and duo acts compete for a chance to represent the club at the 2016 Blues Foundation International Blues Challenge, Jan. 26-30, 2016, in Memphis, Tenn. The County Market Kids’ Zone will host free, family-friendly activities such as karaoke, a dance class, juggling, a magic show, face painting, bounce houses, Lincoln-era games and activities and more. Adult admission to the Old Capitol Blues and BBQ Festival is $5; children 12 and under are free. Food and beverage tickets can be purchased for $1 per ticket. For more information about the Blues and BBQ Festival, visit http://downtownspringfield.org or call 544-1723.