By Quinn Andersen, staff intern

CLEAR LAKE — Starting Friday the sound of blues music will fill the air in Clear Lake’s City Park. Barbecue vendors will open up to festival attendees. And people will be riding their bicycles.

The Bikes, Blues and Barbeque Festival is happening this weekend. There will be omnium races, timed trials, a criterium race, the Tour De Fields and a free race for kids 11 and under. Registration for all races is available online or the morning of the race.

“It’s not just a bike race,” said Tim Putnam festival coordinator.

There are several recreational and family rides along with the road race on Sunday. All the concerts and the festival are free to attend.

This is the ninth annual The Bikes, Blues and Barbeque Festival. It grows in size and diversity every year.

“It’s a pretty unique weekend,” Putnam said.

The Mooseknuckle Brothers and the Sena Ehrhardt Band are performing Friday, and the Lamont Cranston Band will perform on Saturday with special guest Bruce McCabe. Vendors will serve throughout the weekend to create a fun-filled atmosphere for all to enjoy.

 

Schedule of events

Friday

5:30 p.m.: Barbecue vendors open

5:30-7:30 p.m.: Mooseknuckle Brothers

8-10 p.m.: Sena Ehrhardt Band

 

Saturday

7 a.m.: Fun ride registration opens

7-11 a.m.: All-you-can-eat pancakes with Chris Cakes

7:30 a.m.: Omnium race seven-mile time trial starting at Lions Field.

11 a.m.-9 p.m.: Barbecue vendors serving

11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.: Criterium race

2:30-3 p.m.: Free kids race ages 11 and under

6-7 p.m.: Clear Lake Municipal Band

6:55-8:15 p.m.: Criterium race, awards immediately following

8:30-10:30 p.m.: Lamont Cranston Band with Bruce McCabe

 

Sunday

8-9:30 a.m.: Road race registration at Tourist Park

10 a.m.: USCF-sanctioned road race start