Do you love slow-cooked traditional barbecue? Well here’s your chance to get your taste buds satisfied. On behalf of the Lacey South Sound Chamber and community partners, we welcome one and all to the mouthwatering world of barbecue at the South Sound BBQ Festival in Lacey. On Saturday, July 13, Huntamer Park will host food vendors, free kids’ activities, live entertainment, a chicken wing eating contest, a professional cook-off, an adult-only beer & wine garden and so much more.
The main aspect of this event is, of course, barbecue! Show up hungry, as there will be several vendors dishing up mouthwatering food such as barbecued pulled pork, brisket, chicken, sausage, corn on the cob, bratwursts, along with summertime classics like corn dogs, elephant ears, curly fries, ice cream, kettle corn, snow cones and so much more. This year’s anticipated food vendors from around the South Sound area include the following: Grandville’s BBQ Sauces, The Tailgate BBQ, Southbay Dickerson’s BBQ, O.G.’s Smokehouse BBQ, Nisqually Red Wind Casino, The Cattleman, Lacey Chamber Brat Booth, Irishman Enterprises Corn Dogs of the World, Hula Girl Ice Cream & Desserts, Lind’s Concessions, Cinco de Mayo Fruits & More, Sno to Go, The Old Red Barn Popping Company and UT Coffee Trailer.
One of the highlights of this event is the professional cook-off sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association. Up to 25 competitors will be going head-to-head to win the top cash prize. Contestants arrive a day early to prep for their full day of judging during the festival. While the competition is taking place, patrons will have the opportunity to purchase $2 sample tickets to try out the delicious meals being prepared right before their eyes. “We would just like to let guests know that these competitors are in full competition mode,” explains Blaine Land, executive director of the Lacey South Sound Chamber. “Please be patient while waiting for a sample of their barbecue as this is live competition on a very tight time frame.” The $2 sample tickets can only be redeemed at the cook-off zone.
In addition to the many barbecue vendors and on-site competition, guests will be excited to enjoy live entertainment throughout the day. Adults 21-years-old and older can enjoy the Beer and Wine Garden located adjacent to the festival at The Hub at Lacey events space. There will be live entertainment and a wide selection of beer, wine, and cider from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Family-Friendly Fun
The South Sound BBQ Festival has plenty of options for children of all ages to take part in. Outdoor bouncy houses, Lacey Fire Truck, an artillery vehicle, free face painting and a huge craft booth sponsored by the Hands on Children’s Museum. Don’t miss our crowd favorite, the chicken wing eating contest. Sponsored every year by America’s Credit Union, there will be a teen (12- to 18-years-old) and adult (18-years-old and over) competition. To sign up for this eating competition, please visit the ACU booth located in the festival.
If you’re thinking about making a weekend trip to the South Sound BBQ Festival, consider an overnight stay at Candlewood Suites in Lacey that’s offering a 10 percent discount for festival goers. In addition, Intercity Transit is offering a free bus ride to those who are going to the festival.
“This event is always highly anticipated as it offers community members a perfect summertime family outing at minimal charge,” states Blaine. “This festival showcases many of our amazing local businesses and is truly a one of a kind experience. We can’t wait to see everyone out at Huntamer Park on July 13!”
This year’s BBQ Festival would not be possible without the many incredible presenting sponsors: Fred Meyer, America’s Credit Union, and US Bank Home Mortgage. For more information about the South Sound BBQ Festival and to see a complete list of participating sponsors, visit the Lacey South Sound Chamber website or stay up to date by following them on Facebook.
Sponsored
