Jim Bober looked over a road map of Arkansas while his brother-in-law washed dishes at the Washington County Fairgrounds on Saturday morning.
Bober, his wife and brother-in-law, all from Texas, are camping at the fairgrounds while attending Bikes, Blues and BBQ. It is the family's first visit to the festival and region.
"This morning I have been wandering around talking to everyone," Bober said. "Everybody has been friendly."
About 2,000 festival attendees are camping at the fairgrounds this weekend, said Kendall Pendergraft, Washington County Fairgrounds president.
The location offers sewer, water and electric hookups along with primitive camping sites. The livestock arena also is serving as a covered campground.
Bikes, Blues and BBQ festivities overflow to the campground with a barbecue contest, live music, helicopter rides, food and a salon.
Pendergraft said the event, which raises about $50,000 to $60,000 each year, is used as a fundraiser for the fairgrounds.
"It really helps us," Pendergraft said. "The county fair will sustain itself, but after that we don't have enough money to keep up the grounds."
Officials initially worried that the bikers staying at the fairgrounds might be unruly, Pendergraft said.
"We have never had any trouble of any kind," Pendergraft said. "Bikes, Blues and BBQ has been really good to us."
Bober said his family was enjoying the family friendly environment. He said it is calmer than other festivals he has attended throughout the country.
Bill "Geno" Spradlin of Stigler, Okla., said he has been attending the event with his wife for about five years.
"We look forward to it every year," said Spradlin, even though he suffered a heart attack last year while attending the festival.
The couple prefer camping at the fairgrounds to staying in a hotel because they are able to bond with the other bikers, Spradlin said.
"We enjoy the trip more," Spradlin said about the campground. "Everything is right here."
Spradlin's cousin, Leroy Spradlin, said the environment is fun but peaceful.
"We have never seen anyone get too drunk and rowdy around here," Leroy Spradlin said.
The annual motorcycle festival started Wednesday and runs through today.
Metro on 09/28/2014