MOSS POINT—Picture it…the scent of southern barbeque floating over the riverfront park and the sounds of Mississippi Blues filling the background space as a celebration of hospitality, food and music takes the stage in downtown Moss Point.
The first ever Smokin’ the Sip is set for October 3 and 4 with 20 grilling teams and blues inspired music to entertain event-goers throughout the two-day event. While this is the fourth consecutive year of this grilling competition in the river city, this year’s rebranding is designed to boost tourism not only in downtown Moss Point but also to celebrate the unique heritage of Mississippi.
Josh Borden, president of the Moss Point Main Street Association and chairperson for Smokin’ the Sip, said this event includes all the ingredients necessary to build pride in all things that make Mississippi special.
“Being that we are on the blues trail, and Mississippi is known as the hospitality state, and we are the birthplace of the blues, this event pulls all of that together,” Borden said. “This year’s fresh new look and brand is designed to expand the event outside of the local community to give it a broad perspective.”
From a humble beginning of only six teams, this year’s event boosts a whopping 20 teams from as far away as Texas to the west, Alabama to the east and northward to Vicksburg. Borden said this year’s promotion has been designed to encourage participation from across the coast and beyond.
The fun begins on Friday evening with team setup across the riverfront park at noon and live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Admission to the event is free and includes an opportunity to meet the teams and enjoy live entertainment.
The fun continues Saturday as grill teams prepare to compete in top tier competitions including Boston butt, pork ribs, brisket, pit master’s choice and Bloody Mary with more than $5,000 in cash prize up for grabs. Tasting begins at 11 a.m. with prizes being awarded at 4:30. Tasting bracelets are $25 per person, but VIP bracelets are also available for $75.
“VIP bracelets include access to a VIP tent with a private bar, bourbon tasting, complimentary cigar and access to a luxury restroom trailer,” Borden said.
Speaking of VIPs, the emcees for the day will be barbeque world champions Brooke Orrison-Lewis and Brad Orrison from The Shed BBQ restaurant, and the headliner of the weekend will be live entertainment from Grits and Greens followed by a fireworks show at dusk.
Other entertainment includes Otis Carter and the Gulf Coast Allstars, Titus Gillard Blues Power Band and the Moss Point High School Band offering the national anthem. A variety of giveaways will also be available to those in attendance.
From the food to the music and the presence of mascots from the Biloxi Shuckers, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Moss Point High School, Moss Point Main Street promises this event will be a family-friendly celebration of Mississippi culture.
“The community has really come in to help make this something great for Moss Point and for the state as a whole,” Borden said. “This will be a full family event so people feel free to come out with families and want to stay This will be an event for the whole state to be proud of and to help tell our story.”
Other attractions for the weekend include a whole-hog display, cornhole tournament, and music by DJ PJ and DJ Rookie between the live music sets. Moss Point Main Street intends to grow this event in years to come including making it a sanctioned event for Memphis in May.
For a full rundown of weekend events or to purchase tasting bracelets, visit the Moss Point Main Street event page at https://events.mosspointmainstreet.org/events/16s
