The countdown to ChickenFest 2014 is on. Hosted by The Record and presented by Tyson Foods, the ninth annual ChickenFest will feature more than 35 musical acts. The three-day, free-to-the-public music festival will be held on Friday, May 23; Saturday, May 24; and Sunday, May 25, at The Record Park at the corner of Fourth and E streets in North Wilkesboro. And, like always, there will be plenty of chicken for sale. This year’s event will focus on festival musicians, supporters, friends and family members who we have lost. The feature segment of this year’s event will be an all-star tribute to Wilkes native and bluegrass innovator Billie Ray Johnson. The tribute will close out Saturday evening’s performances and will be organized and led by David Johnson, Billie Ray’s son. David Johnson and his cousin, Eric Ellis, are both members of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame and will be part of the tribute. Food will be prepared and sold by Arbor Grove United Methodist Church and others. The church will also hold a service on Sunday morning. A children’s play area will also be provided. For more information, call The Record at 336-667-0134.