by Evelyn Barella and Brenda Valiante

Hawkinsville, GA — The 42nd annual Harness Festival and Smoking the Track BBQ cook-off will be held April 3 and April 4 at the Lawrence L. Bennett Harness Track, 290 Abbeville Hwy., Hawkinsville.

Activities get underway at 6 p.m. on Friday with the Yardbird Cook-off Contest, live music and fireworks display sponsored by ComSouth.

The Taylor Regional Hospital 5K Run begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday. An Easter egg hunt will be held at 9 a.m. and Harness Festival opening ceremonies commence at noon with post time for the first race set for 1 p.m.

Hawkinsville’s Smokin’ The Track BBQ contest on Saturday will feature some of the state’s best cook teams. The event will be judged by members of the Georgia Barbecue Association, the second largest barbecue competition sanctioning organization in the state of Georgia. The GBA awards ceremony will be held at 3 p.m.

Saturday’s family friendly activities include live entertainment, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce house, rock climbing wall and bungee jump, reptile exhibit, falconry demonstration and fair-style food.

Pulaski County’s affair with harness racing began in 1894. Since that time, several world champions have been trained on the Hawkinsville tracks. For almost 40 years, the area has celebrated its enduring bond to harness racing with the annual Harness Horse Festival.

“The Georgia red clay and mild climate make an excellent combination for conditioning young horses,” says Jim Valiante, track manager. “The festival prides itself on an outstanding facility, community spirit and fantastic entertainment. New this year is the Georgia Barbecue Association’s Smokin’ The Track cook-off contest. We’re expecting a great turnout and excited to show off the hospitality that our small town offers.”

For more information about the Harness Festival or cook-off contests, visit www.hawkinsvilleharnessfestival.com or call Kim Brown at 478.783.1717.