Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic shelved the International Bar-B-Q Festival in downtown Owensboro.  While, for all practical purposes, it has done the same thing this year, BBQ lovers are going to be able to get their fix starting tomorrow night with the City of Owensboro's brand new Bar-B-Q Block Party, a "scaled back" but delicious version.

I spoke with Allen Payne this week about the event and he confirmed that the following "teams" and local restaurants will be serving: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Mary Magdalene, Precious Blood, St. Mary of the Woods, Blessed Mother, Old Hickory, Ole South and Moonlite.  And, new this year, there is going to be a Kentucky Legend sampling tent.

Allen called the morning show today and gave us a sneak preview:

Yes, on Friday evening, traffic on 2nd Street will be closed and various restaurants downtown will be serving "curbside" as well.

Then, Saturday, the annual Backyard Cookoff will take place.  While those competing teams won't be selling to the public, they are allowed to serve samples and will be doing so!  They'll be set up from the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum down to the Owensboro Convention Center.

As WBKR's Dave Spencer reported earlier this year, "the Block Party won't be as big as the traditional festival, fans can still expect some of the same events."  Quite simply, the focus this year is food, specifically delicious Owensboro Bar-B-Q.

I don't know about you, but I am ready to see smoke rolling out of downtown Owensboro.

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