There’s a reason that BBQ comes first in Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash. Over 60 teams will compete in the Florida BBQ Association-sanctioned event, which is also a qualifier for the Jack Daniels World Championships, The American Royal World Series of Barbecue and Food Network’s World Food Championships. There’s also a $20,000 guaranteed cash purse.
What makes the Bash great for ‘cue-lovers is that many of the competitors offer their smoked meat for sale to the public. World champion teams like Jack’s Old South, Big Papa’s Kitchen, Swamp Boys BBQ, Blitzkrieg BBQ, Sweet Smoke Q, Sonny BBQ, Whiskey Bent, and Git–R-Smoked are expected to compete.
If barbecue’s not enough, there will also be an Iron Chef-style competition featuring chefs from local restaurants, culinary demonstrations, a chili cookoff sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International and a dessert bakeoff.
Might want to bring your appetite.
6th Annual Suncoast BBQ & Bluegrass Bash
Featuring: Flatt Lonesome, Claire Lynch Band and The Boxcars
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18
Venice Airport, 595 Airport Ave. E., Venice; suncoastbbqbash.com
Free admission and parking; donations are welcome.Benefits Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children Inc. No coolers or pets. Bring a comfortable chair.
New this year: enlarged venue entrance and exit to ease traffic congestion.
Events:
Cornhole tournament, sanctioned by the American Cornhole Association, $1,000 in prizes
Sporting Clays Tournament at Knight’s Trail Park (3445 Rustic Road, Nokomis) at 11 a.m. Friday (April 17)
Outdoor Living Expo
Bargin Barn featuring donated items for sale
Antique Tractor Show
Dogs from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Venice Police Department K-9 programs
