If you’re a fan of barbecue and music, you’ll want to be in Buchanan Saturday evening for the Second Pork By the James Seriously Smokin’ Barbeque Competition.
The Town of Buchanan is holding the competition in the Town Park on the bank of the James River this Saturday, Sept. 9 from 5-9 p.m. for what the organizers say will be “a seriously good time.”
The Town Park is at 485 Lowe Street.
Pork By the James welcomes amateur barbeque chefs to put their grilling skills to the test as teams participate in Buchanan’s second annual cooking competition. Prizes include Judge’s Choice, First Place, Second Place and Third Place as well as the ultimate prize, The People’s Choice Award.
“Good food, good friends, good music and helping a good cause,” Buchanan’s Downtown Revitalization and Events Coordinator Harry Gleason said as he pointed out that a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s activities will help the award-winning James River High School FFA Chapter travel to the National FFA Convention in October.
The event will also help fund additional events like Mountain Magic In Fall and upcoming Christmas activities in the town.
Admission to the event is by donation with a suggested minimum donation of $5. Activities for the evening include a free live performance from Bank of Botetourt Stage featuring Groova Scape (see accompanying story), the conclusion of the Buchanan Tri —Run, Ride, River Race and a silent auction with some great items being offered.
Not your traditional barbeque dinner, the public can purchase tickets to sample the barbeque that’s smoked by the competitors.
Each $1 ticket is good for one two-ounce serving of pork barbeque. Visitors can sample one or all entries.
In addition to sample tickets visitors can add a bun and sides of baked beans, slaw and potato salad for $5. The Fry Stand will be open offering Carnival Fries for $3 and there will be a beer garden featuring brews from P.A. Short Distributing.
While contestants will be cooking on the park all day, the gates will not open to the public until 5 p.m. Awards will be presented during the concert intermission at 7:30 p.m.
Volunteers and sponsors from throughout the community are helping to make this event possible, Gleason noted. From setting up, operating food and beverage stands to cleaning up, it is all for a good cause and good time.
Chairpersons Ray and Bobbi Sloan encourage guests to “come early as barbeque and sides will be available until supplies run out.”
Gleason added, “Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors, including Bank of Botetourt, The Bank of Fincastle and Twin River Outfitters who make this event possible. We are looking forward to hosting a large crowd, an incredible performance by Groova Scape while helping the awarding winning James River High School FFA.”
For additional information, call the Buchanan Downtown Revitalization Program at 254-1212.
