EAST DURHAM — You know how on St. Patrick's Day everyone suddenly discovers they're Irish? Well, at the Annual Catskill Mountain Redneck Festival, everyone is officially a redneck for the day!
So on Saturday, July 25th, gas up the tractor (if it'll start), load up your kinfolk, wave at the neighbors, and make your way to the Blackthorne Resort, 348 Sunside Rd., East Durham, where common sense takes the weekend off and good old-fashioned country fun takes over!
What started years ago as a small gathering of folks who appreciated BBQ, tractors, and laughing at themselves has grown into one of the wildest, friendliest festivals in the Catskills. Every year it gets bigger, louder, smokier, and somehow just a little more... redneck!
You'll smell the Smoked BBQ Competition long before you see it. Pitmasters will spend the day proving that low and slow beats fast food every time as they battle it out with chicken, pork ribs, pork, brisket, and beef. If you leave hungry, that's probably your own fault.
Then there's the legendary Redneck Olympics at noon. This isn't your fancy city Olympics. Nope! We're talking toilet ring toss, potato sack races, tire rolling, and other events that make absolutely no sense—but somehow make perfect sense after a pulled pork sandwich. Gold medals are nice, but bragging rights last all year.
The Tractor Show is another crowd favorite. Some tractors are shiny enough to eat off of. Others look like they've been held together since 1957 with baling wire, duct tape, and pure stubbornness. Around here, if it starts, it's a masterpiece. Everyone is Welcome to bring their tractor!
Motorcycle riders can also join the Back the Red and Blue Run & Fundraiser beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a benefit BBQ from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A $25 donation includes the scenic ride through the Catskill Mountains and a delicious meal, with every dollar helping support the East Durham Volunteer Fire Department.
Throughout the day you'll enjoy live music, plenty of prizes, great food, and enough laughter to make your cheeks hurt.
The best part? Nobody cares where you came from. Whether you're a lifelong country boy, a city slicker, or somewhere in between, by the end of the day you'll probably be cheering during the potato sack races, arguing over the best BBQ, admiring tractors you never knew you liked, and wondering if overalls should become part of your everyday wardrobe.
So come celebrate a day filled with country charm, family fun, and enough redneck humor to last until next year.
Just remember... if someone offers you sweet tea, a BBQ sandwich, and a seat on a hay wagon, you're officially one of the family.
For more information, call 518-634-2541. Campsites and rooms are available, so book early.
Y'all come now... and don't worry—shoes are optional... at least until someone reminds you they are not!
I am your Bro LJ James and I will see you around the Mountain.
