Beech Tree News Network

Saturday May 11, I attended the 35th annual International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro, KY.  A haze of smoke filled the sky as thousands took in the sights, sounds, smells and mouth-watering tastes of the weekend. (May 10-11).  Overcast skies did nothing to dampen the spirits of the festival goers.

There was an added attraction: a car show where over 200 new and vintage vehicles like Adam Wiggins’ 1922 Ford Model T pickup.  Electric guitarist Darrell Toomey of Owensboro, fiddle player Dale Bradberry of Beaver Dam and group Pure Country Friends of Fordsville performed at the festival Saturday. The cars were just for display.  There was no contest, no winners.

Rain was threatening as the competing teams put the finishing touches on their mutton, chicken and pork.  Most cooks were used to having to brave the rain.  “You can almost put it on your calendar”, one cook said. There was more than enough food cooked for the competition and consumption. The Blessed Mother Catholic Church cooked 400 chickens, 1,000 lbs. of mutton, 500 Boston Butts and six kettles of burgoo. When selling began at 3 pm, the food would go in a hurry. Pitt Academy from Louisville cooked 2,000 lbs. of pork, 750 chickens and 4 kettles of burgoo.
The team Precious Blood was split into two locations because of nearby construction.  Everyone has their own recipe and they try to outdo each other.  After the judges evaluate the mutton, chicken and burgoo of each team, results are sent to a team of accountants for tabulation. All teams said they were already looking forward to next year.
Overall first place went to St. Mary Magdalene (which I had the pleasure of eating). Second place went to Lourdes.  Third place was presented to St. Pius X.  The Team Spirit Award was given to Crooked Creek.
In the Chicken category: First place went to Blessed Mother.  Second place was presented to Lourdes.  Third place was awarded to St. Pius X. 
Burgoo awards: First place St. Mary Magdalene.  Second place Lourdes.  Third place St. Pius X.  St. Mary Magdalene won best in mutton, followed by Blessed Mother(2nd) and St. Pius X(3rd). 
St. Mary Magdalene won first place in mutton; Blessed Mother 2nd and St. Pius X came in 3rd.  The Backyard Cook-off winner overall winner was Meat Heads BBQ.  Best Booth went to All Out Pig Out.  Kentucky Smoke Squad won best chicken business. Pitt Brothers BBQ came in second.
First place in pork went to Meats Head BBQ.  Second place was presented to Holy Town Cookers.  First place in beef went to Outlaw BBQ.  Second went to All Out Pig Out.
This was my first trip to the annual festival.  For someone who loves barbeque, such as myself, this was perfect.  There were thousands of people in attendance.  We drove around at least 30 minutes looking for a place to park! We had to walk a few blocks to get to any attraction. There were street vendors as far as the eye could see.  There were several street musicians, NASCAR t-shirts for sale (I was tempted to buy another Dale, Jr. t-shirt.  Seeing as I already have two, I refrained.
I definitely encourage you to attend the International BBQ Festival next May.  You won’t regret it.  And, you’ll get your walking in.