Paul Cheramie of Sewart Supply’s barbecue team prepares to serve rib samples during the 2016 Bayou BBQ Bash kickoff party at Hampton Inn & Suites in Morgan City. The 2017 kickoff party will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday. (The Daily Re-view/Zachary Fitzgerald)
BBQ Bash kickoff is Thursday
The St. Mary Chamber of Commerce will host a kickoff party for The 6th Annual Bayou BBQ Bash 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday at Hampton Inn & Suites in Morgan City.
Admission is $1 and a business card. Attendees will be able to meet some of the cooks competing in the bash and sample barbecue. At 7:15 p.m., Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival officials will unveil the 2017 festival poster during the BBQ bash kickoff.
There will also be door prizes, beer and wine at the event.
The actual BBQ Bash will be held 4-10:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday under the U.S. 90 bridge in Morgan City. KQKI 95.3 FM will host its Country Music Showdown 6-9 p.m. Friday. Following the showdown, Low Down with special guest Hal Bruni will play from 9-10:30 p.m.
Officials will hold a mandatory meeting for barbecue competitors at 5:30 p.m. Friday under the bridge.
The barbecue competition will take place Saturday and is a Barbecue Competitors Alliance sanctioned event. The bash’s grand champion will win a gold ring from Klutts Jewelers. An awards ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday.
Meat categories include half-chickens, pork spare ribs and briskets.
Organizers will hold a Kids Q competition to give children a chance to try their hand at barbecuing.
Children 12 years old and under will cook pork chops, while ages 13-17 will cook chicken leg quarters. Cannata’s Supermarket will provide meat for the kids’ competition.
Saturday’s music lineup includes Jus Cuz from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. followed by South 70 from 2-5 p.m.