The 2nd annual Carolina 'ShineFest kicks off in downtown Madison, North Carolina this weekend. The festival celebrates our state's cultural past, part of which is the long-time distinction of being the "Moonshine Capital of the World."
The two-day event will feature live blues, country, folk and bluegrass music, BBQ, and tours of the only legal moonshine distillery in North Carolina, Piedmont Distillers. Moonshine legend and NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson will make an appearence as well.
His distillery produces Midnight Moon and uses an old family recipe that dates back over 50 years.
According to Johnson, during his father's day and throughout prohibition there was more moonshine created in North Carolina than in any other state in the Union. A number of authentic Moonshine Bootlegging Cars will be on display during ShineFest.
Racing legends Bill Blair and Gary Lewallen will make appearences as well with a collection of authentic race cars from their Flathead Ford Racing Series on display.
All proceeds from the Carolina 'Shinefest will benefit the non-profit organization Southern Culture Society. The society's goal is to educate people about the cultural richness of the American South - with an emphasis on its music, food, art, crafts, spirits and car racing.
More information about the festival is available at CarolinaShineFest.com.
