The show, which started out as the Caroline Street Block Party, has taken on a much tamer side as the festival has evolved into a family-friendly event over the years, George Fletcher, festival volunteer and performer, said.

This year's festival will feature nearly a dozen area bands and solo artists offering blues enthusiasts an assortment of blues styles that range from traditional to blues rock. Artists on hand at the event include local blues legend and festival headliner Ernie Williams, acoustic blues man Mark Tolstrup and the blues rock group Bourbon Renewal among many other great acts.

"In past years many of the clubs didn't hire just blues acts, but this is the first year where all the bands that have been hired are blues acts," Fletcher said.

Aside from Caroline Street establishments, there will also be businesses along Maple Avenue and Putnam Street participating for the first time in this year's festival. The venues will host live bands and compete in a chili "cook-off" throughout the course of the day.

"It's a fun event and it gets everyone out into the street," Gaffney's Manager Kim Smith said, via press release. "It really fosters a sense of community among all the businesses along Caroline Street."

Music will not be the only entertainment for patrons in attendance as there will also be colorful works from nearly two dozen area artists and crafters on display in the Saratogian parking lot.

"The artwork on display will cover a wide range of media, including photography, watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, jewelry and ceramics," Joel Reed, executive director of the Saratoga County Arts Council, said in a press release.

The Saratoga Children's Museum will also be on hand to offer a family activity booth.

Aside from providing a venue for artists and people in attendance, Caroline Street businesses will also take part in the festival's annual chili "cook-off" competition. The competition features businesses vying for bragging rights and the possession of the "cook-off" trophy for one year. Each year, the trophy is dedicated to the memory of a past chili "cook-off" winner. This year's trophy will be dedicated to the memory of Kevin Doyle, who passed away unexpectedly in 2006 and was a long-time participant in the annual event. People in attendance will be able to sample chili for $1 and will also have the opportunity to vote for the best chili.

The festival runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1. Headliner Ernie Williams will perform from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on the main stage, which will be located near the intersection of Caroline Street and Pavilion Row.

"It's truly one of the best blues festivals in the region," Fletcher said. "It gets bigger by the year, but it's still small enough to have that neighborhood feel."