BBQ Cooks, Vendors Invited to Festival

There’s still time for barbecue cookers to get in line for the Sallisaw Main Street Hot Pickin’ Finger Lickin’ BBQ and Bands Fest on April 22 and 23 in downtown Sallisaw.

Margaret Perry of Sallisaw Main Street, which sponsors the festival, said the deadline to enter the barbeque cook-off is Monday. She said Sallisaw Main Street provides the pork butt for cooking and the order will be sent in on Monday.

The entry fee is $50 and cookers have a chance to win cash prizes and a big trophy.

“We would love to have more teams,” Perry said. “It is a real fun event and the barbecue is outstanding. We have to have entries by Monday.”

The entry fee is $50. A panel of judges will determine first through fourth place winners, who will receive $200 for first, $150 for second, $100 for third and $50 for fourth. A “Let’s Get Sauced” competition is an option for cookers and the winner for the best barbecue sauce will be awarded $100.

Perry said all the cookers will be after the People’s Choice award. The winner of that competition, determined by those samplers who buy a tasters’ kit for $7, will win $200 and “a huge trophy.” Tasters get one ticket with their sampling kit, then vote for the barbecue they like the best.

Sampling will begin at 11 a.m. on April 23. Cookers may set up after 5 p.m. on April 22 along Cherokee in front of the library and will be cooking all night.

To enter contact Perry at 918-790-3315.

Other food vendors and vendors of all types of merchandise will also be on hand, and also still have time to request a booth space. To rent a space for $30 contact Carol Brown at 918-776-7920.

Perry said all types of vendors are invited and expected including food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and others.

To enrich the festival even more Sallisaw Main Street will be selling Indian tacos for $5 in front of the library beginning at 11 a.m. on April 22 and at least four bands are expected to perform beginning on the evening of April 22 and on April 23. The Lawbreakers and Peacemakers will present their version of the old west during the day.

Perry said all the money raised at the festival is used by Sallisaw Main Street to restore and beautify Downtown Sallisaw. Sallisaw Main Street has a 50-50 matching grant system, for up to $1,000, for owners of properties in the downtown area to renew and update their properties.

“If you see new awnings, new paint, or building updates in downtown Sallisaw, Sallisaw Main Street may have helped,” Perry said.

Perry invited everyone to come out and enjoy the Hot Pickin’ Finger Lickin’ BBQ and Bands Fest.

“Bring your lawn chairs and have a good time,” she said.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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