PICKENS — The phenomenon now known as Blue Ridge Fest has it roots with the Pickens County March of Dimes WalkAmerica.

Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op had one of the larger and more generous teams participating in the annual event. The company even served as host for the annual event for several years before March of Dimes officials decided to move WalkAmerica — now known as the “March for Babies” — to Easley to attract more teams from the largest city in the county.

Blue Ridge Electric employees were proud of their fundraising efforts for the March of Dimes, but intrigued by one question: “If we all worked together for a major fundraiser, how much good could we do for the communities we serve.”

Rather than rest on their laurels as fundraisers for WalkAmerica, the Blue Ridge employees started their own event, raising many thousands of dollars during the past dozen years.

The 12th Annual Blue Ridge Fest is set to begin for tonight at the Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op headquarters at 734 Main Street. Proceeds from this year’s event will be split between 12 local charities.

Tonight’s event is the Beach Night Cruise-In, set for 6 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.

In addition to hundreds of classic cars being on display, there will be a lineup of musical entertainment headlined by “The Iceman” Jerry Butler, whose string of hits include “He Will Break Your Heart.”

Also scheduled to perform is the puzzle Band, featuring Will Ragland as Buddy Holly.

Jim Quick and the Coastline will also perform as will local favorites “The Flashbacks.:

There will be drawings for a $5,000 Visa Gift Card Friday night and a 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide Saturday afternoon.

Saturday will feature the charity motorcycle ride. The ride has a “poker run” format, with the best hand being awarded $1,000. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with a $25 fee.