Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Auction to Help Charity

Bourbon and barbecue are teaming up next month in Danville to benefit Heart of Kentucky United Way. The second annual Kentucky State Barbecue Festival on Sept. 7 will feature a charity bourbon barrel auction.

The festival wants businesses, arts patrons and families to sponsor the barrels for $250 each, with a local artist chosen to decorate it. The Advocate-Messenger says that money goes to the festival, which provides supplies for the artist.

After the barrels are decorated, the public will vote online for the best barrel, and a panel of judges will choose several others. Those barrels will then be auctioned off at the festival, with the others on display for a silent auction. Festival founder Brad Simmons says the proceeds will go to the United Way.