BBQ On the River hits 30, adds Memphis music and food

Barbecue On The River turns 30 this year, long since becoming the premiere event hosted on the Paducah riverfront, but still adding some new twists this time around.

Dozens of barbecue competitors and local restaurants will once again serve up more than 60 thousand pounds of slow-cooked pork and chicken to about 50,000 hungry visitors. Just like last year, over $300,000 is expected to be raised for dozens of local charities and nonprofit organizations.

New this year is a long-sought partnership with the Memphis food and tourism community. A special Memphis section will be set up across from the main stage, including the food truck from Smurfy's Smokehouse, The Genre restaurant and MemPops popsicles. The STAX Museum of American Soul Music will bring its Soulmobile to sell merchandise on site.

Memphis music will also be highlighted on stage, with soul artist Talibah Safiya performing Friday night, and blues artist John Nemeth Saturday evening.

Visitors this year will notice a change in the festival's footprint, with the same amount of vendors, but not as spread out on the riverfront. No vendors will be on the gravel portion of the lot this year, for safer and easier access. More public seating will also be added.

After the Porkstock pre-party and fundraiser on Wednesday night the 18th, public barbecue sales will begin at 11 a.m. daily, and the festival is open til 11 p.m.  Music will kick off at 5 p.m., and vendors will close at 10 p.m.

The barbecue competition awards ceremony will take place Saturday at 5 p.m. at the main stage.

Get updates from now until the event opens at the Barbecue On the River and Beautiful Paducah Facebook pages.



Photos: Hungry hordes crowd the Barbecue On the River; an entry is prepared for the whole hog competition at last year's Barbecue On the River. (Photo: Beautiful Paducah)