Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce
Jan Otten, Interim Executive Director
jotten@hobesound.org
772-546-4724
BBQ Fest is Back
Planning for the 2nd Annual Hobe Sound BBQ Festival began one day after last year’s event. No one in their wildest dreams ever imagined that more than 10,000 attendees would be lured to Dixie Highway in the middle of July for an outdoor cooking competition. This year’s BBQ battle will take place on July 8 and 9.
The weather wasn’t the only thing sizzling last July, the grills of 40 professional and a dozen backyard guys and gals were also “Smokin”. The vendors were sold out of food within 2 hours of the gates opening. Local restaurants were ready and prepared to fill the bellies of hungry festival goers thus having a tremendous impact on the local economy.
The 2011 festival on Dixie Highway will feature finger-licking, authentic ‘cue from Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, in addition to the best pitmasters from Florida. With live entertainment, a fun setting, and award-winning BBQ, the event promises to be bigger and better than last year. “Last year’s festival was so successful and huge that we decided to expand the event to include a Friday Night Kick Off Party,” commented Ken Coe, BBQ Festival Co-Chair.
Patrice Drennan-Smith
BBQ Festival Co-Chair
On Friday, July 8 there will be several new additions including a kid’s BBQ contest and an open dessert competition. The Jupiter Narrows Band will hit the stage at 6pm and the streets will be filled with the intoxicating smell of smoked meat. On Saturday, from noon till 6:00pm, guests will enjoy non-stop entertainment by Big Vince and the Phat Cats, Boss Groove and Burnt Biscuit. By far the most anticipated attraction at this year’s BBQ Festival is Hobe Sound’s first-ever Ice Bar. That’s right, an Ice Bar will be open to serve and cool off thirsty festival spectators.
There is still time for interested competitors, vendors, and crafters to sign up. Additional volunteers are also needed. For more information call the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce at 772-546-4724