Top Pitmasters Ready To Be Crowned Saturday

Area pitmasters will take the stage Saturday for the fourth annual Bourbon BBQ event, held by the Bourbon Economic Development Group.

The event returns for the first time since 2019. Like most events, last year’s edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contestants will cook up chicken, ribs and pork steaks.

There is still time to enter.

Cost is $25 per meat category or $50 for all three.

Contestants must cook all three to be eligible for the grand and reserve champion prize.

The grand champion will receive $250 and the reserve champion $150.

First, second and third place for each single category will be eligible for $75, $50 and $25, respectively.

BED President Chuck Ray said the group is excited to bring back the event.

All of the pieces are coming together nicely,” Ray said. “Different members of the community are putting all the pieces into place to make this annual event a great start to our summer in Bourbon.”

Ray said there is a diverse group of competitors — ranging from experienced grillers to those just getting started in the regional BBQ competitive circuit.

“John Craig, our committee chair, is convinced that this event is going to be a great day of fun for those competing as well as local families,” Ray said.

Justin Blanton of the Bourbon Athletic Association will provide those wishing to attend the day’s festivities with a BBQ lunch.

Contact the Bourbon Economic Development Group at 573-732-5900 or email them at BourbonEconDev@gmail.com for more information.