Mauldin set for annual BBQ Cook-Off
As the calendar nears fall, there’s been more of a chill in the air lately. That also means it’s almost time for the annual smell of barbecue in the air at Mauldin. The fifth annual Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off is scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26 at the Mauldin Cultural Center.
The event, which drew more than 2,500 visitors last year, will feature 24 BBQ teams from across the state and Georgia, along with live music and a “Kids Zone.”
A few minutes before this year’s event begins, there will be a special ceremony to dedicate a plaque and bench to former City Councilman Gabe Hunter. Hunter unexpectedly passed away days after last year’s Cook-Off. According to city officials, no one worked harder than Hunter to create this annual event and help it grow to the point that it had to move to the Cultural Center two years ago to accommodate larger crowds.
“Gabe was committed to Mauldin putting on a first-class event, and ensuring that it was a family-focused event,” Mauldin City Administrator Trey Eubanks said. “Gabe made sure that we took care of the cookers and he made sure that there were activities for kids in order to attract families.”
Following Hunter’s ceremony, the festival kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 with the BBQ teams serving up non-BBQ dishes in the “Anything Butt” competition.
“The teams cook anything they want, except barbecue,” Mauldin Cultural Center Director George McLeer said. “We’ve had things such as fried catfish, shrimp and grits, beef brisket, vegetables and chicken wings. You name it, we’ve had it.”
That opening night’s festivities wrap up at 9 p.m. or until all the food is sold out - which has happened over the years. Live music that night in the Center’s amphitheater will be provided by The Lone Bellow, a Brooklyn-based band that perform three-part harmonies of folk rock. Greenville singer-songwriter Rachel Troublefield Nelson will be the opening act.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the festival opens at 11 a.m. for public tastings of the best work of the 24 BBQ teams. The Greenville Hospital System Kids Zone opens at the same time and will offer face-painting, inflatable rides and field day-style games.
Music on Sept. 26 will be provided by Jack Roper and the Weatherman Band, playing beach music and oldies. Starting at 10 a.m., the Blood Connection will be on-hand for a blood drive.
“Anyone who gives blood will get a free tasting pass for the barbecue,” McLeer said.
The festival wraps up at 3 p.m. with the presentation of awards to winning BBQ teams. The event is sanctioned and judged by the South Carolina BBQ Association and cash awards will be given to first, second and third-place teams.
The Cultural Center is continually seeing facility improvements through the One Mauldin, One Vision campaign. On the Center’s grounds, there’s a newly created Veterans Memorial Walk featuring plaques and benches that honor war veterans. In the next few months, the Center’s Public Arts Trail will see it’s first installed artwork. Eubanks believes all of these factors make the Cultural Center a perfect gathering spot for Mauldin festivals.
“As we see events in addition to our BBQ Cook-Off expand each year, such as our Spring Fling, we’re going to continue to work to make this venue the best place for it,” Eubanks said. “We’re excited about this year’s BBQ, and expect it to be the best one yet.”
Admission either day of the BBQ Cook-Off is free. A $10 tasting pass will allow visitors to enjoy samples from each BBQ team.
“You can even buy lunch portions or take-home pints of your favorite barbecue,” McLeer said. “People will also be able to cast their vote for their favorite by using #MauldinBBQ, taking a picture, and posting it to social media.”
YOU CAN GO
What: Mauldin BBQ Cook-Off
Where: Mauldin Cultural Center
When: Sept. 25 (6 p.m.-9 p.m.) and 26 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Admission: Free; $10 for all-BBQ tasting pass.
For more info, visit mauldinbbq.com