Mississippi is best known for its blues and barbecue and also its waterfront scenes. Why not put all three elements together and make a weekend of enjoying the tunes, the food and the scenery in Moss Point for the 2nd annual Smokin’ the ‘Sip.
October 9 and 10 are the dates for the barbecue cookoff and music festival featuring local and traveling grilling teams, award-winning music and set along the ever-beautiful Escatawpa River. The festival is free and offers something for people of all ages.
The fun begins on Friday evening where grilling teams begin to set up, children play in the downtown green space and the outdoor stage features live music from 5 until 10 p.m. The fun continues Saturday with a full day of championship barbecue, music and riverfront fun from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Sue Wright, director of Moss Point Main Street said tasting bands for the grilling competition are on sale now for $25 for guests interested in sampling the barbecue items from competing teams.
“Saturday night features Grammy Award-winning “Tank and the Bangas” as part of our Levitt AMP Community Concert series,” Mrs. Wright said.
Guests may arrive by car, cart or boat, and all eventgoers are encouraged to bring along portable chairs for full enjoyment of the tasting and tunes.
Other entertainment on Saturday includes the “Titus Gillard Blues Power Band” that take the stage at 2:30 as the smoke is still billowing from grills.
New this year is that the competition is a sanctioned event of Barbecue Competitors Alliance that stipulates judging, cooking, types of meats and cooking options. This year teams will be judged on brisket, chicken and ribs along with optional event categories of margarita, chicken wings and a new Kids Que portion.
Local team River City Barbecue will be returning to this year’s competition to defend its title as Grand Champion. Team spokesperson Stevie Loris said the team recently competed in a BCA competition and that the rules keep everyone close. This is one of the many competitions his team has joined since earning the top award to help perfect their craft and techniques.
“We will be set up and having a good time,” Loris said. “We will see how it goes.”
More than $7,500 in cash prizes will be awarded to participating teams.
To become an event sponsor, purchase tasting bands, register a team or as a vendor, or learn more about the weekend festival, visit https://gocoastevents.com/events/smokin-the-sip.
