Join Us For Blues & BBQ 2009
Join us in the Downtown Hays Chestnut Street District for the 5th annual Blues and BBQ event! The weekend event takes place July 17-19.
This event promises to spice up the Downtown Hays Chestnut Street District as it hosts the 2nd annual BBQ contest. The contest this year is a certified Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) contest which means all contestants entering the contest must cook the required four meats of pulled pork, ribs, brisket and chicken. Each category will be judged according to appearance, tenderness and taste. Judges consist of KCBS certified judges and community members. Winners will receive cash awards for first through fifth place in each of the four categories. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will also receive cash awards as well as trophies. A total of $4,400 will be awarded as part of the KCBS contest. The entry fee is $125. Contestants can check-in Friday, July 17 and once their meat is inspected, can begin cooking for turn in on Saturday, July 18.
The wildly popular People’s Choice BBQ contest is back this year. Anyone can enter this contest for $10 and the brisket is donated by the Blues & BBQ Committee. KCBS rules do not apply to this contest. The winner is voted on by the general public and awarded $200 cash and a trophy. More details regarding this event will be forthcoming.
Also back this year is the sidewalk sales – bargains galore! You can find them at the Mall and Centennial Mall Friday through Sunday and Downtown on the brick streets on Saturday.
Friday night activities include live blues music from “Shades of Gray,” a local band, barbeque food available for purchase from local restaurants/vendors, and a beer garden. “The public is encouraged to join us in the park at 10th & Main and on East 10th Street for all the action including the smell of tantalizing BBQ being prepared for the next day’s contest,” stated Sabrina William, a representative from the Downtown Hays Development Corporation.
“Come and enjoy a weekend of good barbeque, bargain shopping, children’s activities and great music. Thanks to our many generous sponsors, this event promises to be enjoyable for all that attend,” stated William.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Adams Brown Beran & Ball, ASC Portables, Brungardt Hower Ward Elliot & Pfeifer, City of Hays, Clem’s, Commerce Bank, Copper’s Carts, Crawford Supply, Eagle Communications, Emprise Bank, Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., Glassman Bird Braun & Schwartz LLP., Grand Rental Station, Golden Belt Bank, Goodwin Sporting Goods, Hays Daily News, Hays Trophies & Engraving, Henry Schwaller & Associates Inc., Heartland Realty of Hays, Liberty Group, Ramada Inn, Sip n’ Spin, Wal-Mart, Wendy’s, Wild West Festival.
More information will be available soon at www.ChestnutStreetDistrict.com or to get involved with the event, contact Sabrina William at 785.628.8201.
.(Photos from Blues & BBQ 2008)
