Barbecue On The River setting up for 29th edition this weekend

Dozens of tents, tables and barbecue trailers are sprouting up along the Paducah riverfront this week in preparation for the 29th Ever Barbecue On the River, Thursday through Saturday.

After a couple of COVID years with a "drive-through" format, the festival returned last fall with its traditional layout, just a few blocks north near the Holiday Inn and Paducah boat ramp. The festival organizer, Beautiful Paducah, added food trucks and other new wrinkles to the event, and more expansion is on tap this year.

Marketing director Kasey Darling said there'll be about 20 percent more cookers and vendors this time, including a representation of food, shopping and music added at the Farmers Market for those who don't want to try to walk the full length of the festival.

Speaking of walking long distances, the issue of parking is being addressed this year. The Paducah Trolley Company will run vehicles in a continuous loop from six satellite parking lots on 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th Streets. They'll run from 4-10 pm Thursday and Friday, and from noon til 10 on Saturday.

This year there will also be a drop-off zone at the Quilt Museum parking lot for the handicapped, elderly or pregnant attendees.

Since the beginning, the goal of BBQ On the River has been to raise money for charities. Last year's revamped festival picked up where it left off by collecting more than $407,000 for dozens of local organizations.

Cooking competition will also continue with dozens of awards handed out to the barbecue teams.

After the ticketed Porkstock event on Wednesday night, the festival will open to the public Thursday for lunch, then continue through Saturday night.

Click here for maps and other details at the Beautiful Paducah website.