BBQ, Car Show Lined Up

Chuck Ray, chairman of the Bourbon Economic Development Group, previewed a busy summer for the town.

Ray gave an update during the city council’s March 26 meeting.

The annual Bourbon BBQ Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 1.

The all-day event will be the sixth edition, with competitors serving up the best chicken, ribs and pork steak.

“We’re expecting a large crowd,” Ray said, adding that 10 teams are signed up and more are waiting.

Vendors will have access to the community center, a youth 3-on-3 basketball tournament is being planned and a beer garden is in the works behind Via’s Pizza.

Nearly 40 vendors have signed up.

BED will also bring back its annual car show on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Ray gave the council an update on the planned welcome center.

BED is using plans developed by students from Missouri S&T.

The group is seeking several grants to bring the project to fruition.