The 7th Annual Smoke on the Water Festival in the Beaufort County city of Washington kicked off Saturday morning with a blast.
The event is held every year in conjunction with local economic development agencies right at the bend of the Tar and Pamlico River on Stuart Parkway. Thousands were drawn to the waterfront Saturday to sample some of the most smokin' bar-b-q, hear some of the hottest music, and taste some of the spiciest chili in the east.
The festival also featured art vendors, and a farm-life petting zoo for the kids.
