Third annual Roots 'N' Blues 'N' BBQ Festival announced

COLUMBIA — Roots 'N' Blues 'N' BBQ Festival organizers announced Friday the festival will return to Columbia on Sept. 25 and 26.

"The festival is recognized by the music industry, the press and the fans for bringing the best artists worldwide to Columbia," said Steve Sweitzer, co-founder of Thumper Entertainment, in a news release from the company. "The first two years of the festival were integral in putting Columbia on the map, but the third year will prove that Columbia has become a music destination."

In an effort to justify a third year for the festival and to understand its financial impact, festival organizers contacted economic expert and MU professor James Kaufman. Using input-output models Kaufman confirmed the significant impact of the festival on local and state economics, according to the release.

Kaufman estimated the economic impact of the festival was more than 11.7 million dollars for Boone County and more than 18.2 million in Missouri.

Thumper Entertainment co-founder Terry Woodruff said they are currently working to secure sponsors.

"We have added new sponsorship levels to provide more opportunities for participation and hope that encourages more Columbia businesses to get involved," he said in the release.

Last year the festival drew more than 100,000 music and barbecue enthusiasts to Columbia.

For more information, go to rootsnbluesnbbq.com.