Challenger April

To someone unfamiliar with Owensboro’s most popular festival crossing the Ohio River Bridge late Friday or early Saturday morning, it may have appeared that downtown was on fire. Of course, we know that the smoke was from all the cooking teams preparing their barbecue with their secret dips in the hopes of being named the number one cooking team.

This title was claimed once again, by the team from St. Pius, and people stood in long lines for a taste of the best barbeque in the world, not just from the winning team, but from all the teams cooking along the river. As all of the teams seem to be dedicated to their task at hand, it has to be a most difficult task to choose the best.

Not only was the mutton, and chicken very delicious, but the burgoo was an item that was particularly quick to sell out. To those unfamiliar with the International Barbeque Festival, it is a time for local cooking teams to “strut their stuff” and tempt diners with their unique barbeque dips and cooking techniques. For which there is an unusual willingness to stand in long lines and wait for some mouth watering food. It seems the smell of hickory smoke mixed with barbeque sauces stimulates a very healthy appetite.
Not hungry for mutton and burgoo? How about chicken, pork burgers, and funnel cakes? The varieties of food caused many well-stuffed people to moan and groan about “eating it all”. Maybe someone should set up a TUMS or Rolaids stand next year. Alka Seltzer anyone?

There are also other attractions as well, from beauty contests to carnival rides to live bands and even the occasional fist fight, there is much to keep one busy when attending this very popular festival. One of the most popular attractions or events, is the many different music groups who perform at various locations. No matter the musical preference, there is a performance for just about everyone, with country groups, gospel groups, and young rock bands, the music was sure to please just about all tastes. The carnival rides were also popular with long lines for rides like the Ferris Wheel and the Gravitron. Games of skill for a guy to try to win a prize for his girlfriend were fun to watch, as many winced in defeat while others celebrated winning.

With this being an election year, many people were out in force campaigning for their favorite candidate, handing out fliers and encouraging people to take signs for their yards. Those seeking election were making their stand on the issues heard, and were gladly speaking to all who would listen or who wanted to learn more of each candidate in order to make an informed decision when voting in November.

A festival like this is an opportunity not only for politicians, but for many, it is a time to renew old acquaintances when bumping into each other on a crowded street. Shouts of “Hey, I haven’t seen you since…” or “Lookin’ good!” could be heard all around the festival as old friends and relatives alike exchanged greetings and good natured insults across the street or while standing in line.

Whatever the reasons for coming to the river for the Barbeque Festival, it is truly an event that is looked forward to and even advertised in magazines and other publications that include monthly calendars of events. Most of the people in attendance agree that this event sets Owensboro apart from other areas of the country that boast good barbeque. Some people have questioned this being called an international festival, but many do not realize that Owensboro was the destination for people from around the world this last weekend. People came from Japan, Germany, and Russia, not to mention Mexico, and people from several other US states as well. Many of these people came because they came in previous years or were encouraged by friends who have come before. Speak to a stranger with an accent, and you may just have discovered someone who will be back next year, bringing a friend or two. Regardless of where they are from, most will say that Owensboro truly is the Barbeque Capital of the World, and everyone in Owensboro is in agreement. Sadly, it will now be an entire year before we can enjoy another successful International Barbeque Festival in Owensboro.