It’s actually his favorite genre of music.
Gary Glessner loved Styx back in high school and Fleetwood Mac was cool then, too, but these days if this husband, father, and business owner is listening to a little Luke Bryan or Chris Stapleton, he’s at peace and pleased.
That’s a big reason why country music will take center stage during Oglebay’s third annual Backyard BBQ this Memorial Day weekend. Country star Rodney Atkins is scheduled for the Main Event that’s set to begin at 5:30 p.m. at Camp Russell. The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. and food and beverages will be on sale inside the venue.
The Glessner Group, a financial and insurance firm in the Elm Grove neighborhood in Wheeling, is the presenting sponsor for a third straight year.
“We wanted this event to have a main attraction on the primary night to draw as many people as we could so we could guarantee the Memorial Day weekend event was a success,” explained Glessner, the president of The Glessner Group. “Without our sponsorship, we knew this could not be possible.
“I grew up in Wheeling,” he said. “I have been very fortunate to have had success in my career and feel morally obligated to give back to our great community. That’s why we like to support a lot of different community activities and events so others can enjoy the many community activities that our small town has to offer.”
According to Oglebay President and CEO Bob Peckenpaugh, the Backyard BBQ Festival weekend will feature barbecue and bourbon showcases, a “Little Piggie’s Play Zone,” a new, Sunday-only “Grill ‘n Gears Truck Show, and several live performances by local and regional performers. More than 10 food vendors have committed to serving items like barbecue, wood-fired pizza, crepes, ice cream, and other desserts.
“Since Memorial Day weekend is a time for family, this event has allowed for family members of all ages to come and enjoy everything that is offered,” Glessner said. “There’s great live music all three days, and there’s all kinds of great food. There’s even cooking demonstrations that are really interesting.
“We’ve been involved since it started because Oglebay is a terrific place and we’re very lucky to have it here in our backyard. It’s really the perfect for place for our community to gather for the beginning of summer,” he explained. “There are so many different activities in Oglebay that are great for families so, hopefully, this year’s concert can be a highlight of a great weekend.”
Glessner was graduated from The Linsly School in 1985, and that means his teenage years were filled with rock n’ roll, a little punk, and country. Even today he lists “Renegade” by Styx, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and “Play it Again” by Luke Bryan as his three favorite songs, and he played a Cornet back in high school.
But can he sing those songs?
“Oh, I definitely cannot sing,” Glessner admitted. “Not even in the shower.
“When I was younger, 1970-80s classic rock was always my favorite, but as I got older I really enjoyed country music the most,” he added. “So, this year promises to be the most exciting year of all since our area has been known for country music for a long time. The Jamboree USA, Jamboree in the Hills, and most recently Blame My Roots, have been part of that tradition and this year’s show will add to it.”
Oglebay’s Backyard BBQ Festival is scheduled from Friday, May 24 to Sunday the 26th, Wilson Lodge is offering lodging packages for the weekend, and the park has a number of cottages, as well.
I have gone to the first 2 festivals and liked them