The Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Department has announced the 3rd Annual Squealin’ on the Square Barbecue Festival kicks off Friday, June 4, with the festival to also serve as the leadoff event of Parks and Rec’s newly-branded Sounds at Six series for 2021, formerly known as Fridays at 5.
Parks and Rec Superintendent Tab Brockman says this year’s Squealin’ on the Square will feature up to ten barbecue teams battling for cash prizes and trophies in each of the food categories.
He says the five-person teams, which includes one head chef and up to four assistants, will cook BBQ throughout the day to get ready for judges to sample portions from each team before determining the winners in the three categories: chicken, ribs, and chops. The winning teams will be determined based on presentation, taste, and tenderness of their entries. Brockman says the winners will receive $250 and the coveted Squealin’ trophy in each meat division.
According to Brockman, the public is invited to eat from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when teams with a valid permit have the opportunity to sell their prepared items. He points out the barbecue has sold out at each of the first two events so guests are recommended to arrive early and bring their appetite.
Brockman says downtown will also be pumping with live music once again as local favorites, the Xtraordinary Gentlemen, provide their special groove of favorites from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. He adds, as is the custom with the Friday night series, patrons will also be able to purchase their favorite beer or wine from a cash bar, in addition to Casey Jones Distillery offering the local selection.
This year’s Squealin’ on the Square BBQ is sponsored by Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, Hopkinsville Electric Service/EnergyNet, and Pennyrile Rural Electric.
The other Sounds at Six dates are set on July 16, August 27, and September 10.
