Planners ‘thrilled’ with BBQ turnout

By DAVID A. MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

July 04, 2009 02:10 am

— The smoke has cleared. The riverfront has been cleaned. The cooks have left town.
Concrete pigs remain.
And while planners admit that there are a few bugs to work out, a second-annual Smokin’ on the River barbecue festival is being pondered for next year. The first festival was held on Jeffersonville’s waterfront, near the intersection of Spring Street and Riverside Drive, two weekends ago.
Barbecue enthusiasts from around the region packed the area and competed in what was a state qualifying cook-off for national tournaments.
“I was thrilled with everything,” said Bev Knight, Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation Department assistant superintendent. “By Friday night, we were already planning for next year.”
She estimates that about 1,800 people attended June 19 and another 3,200 came out the next day and night — more than had been expected.
“We heard a lot of good comments,” she said, noting that many contestants spoke of returning next year.
“I thought it was excellent,” said Mayor Tom Galligan.
He said he heard many good comments not only on the food, but the music. The event doubles as a blues festival.
However, he noted, there were changes to be made in terms of how many and where food vendors were set up. Some residents complained that they weren’t aware barbecue dishes would not be available directly from competitors.
“Anytime you have something new, you find things [that need to be changed,]” Galligan said.
Knight said the ticket system — in which those wanting food had to buy a ticket to go to the vendor area — created too much congestion.
Residents would have to wait in line for a ticket, then wait in line again for food.
Knight said that system had worked at other barbecue festivals, but was ineffective in Jeffersonville. Next year, she said, residents likely will buy directly from vendors.
Additionally, she said, more picnic tables will be needed to accommodate festival-goers next year.
Getting the word out early will also be a priority, Knight said, especially regarding the festival’s concrete pig promotion.
About 30 local residents and businesses paid $100 each to decorate concrete pigs for a contest that took place at the festival. This year’s contest was won by Third Base Lounge, for its biker pig.