Great to see ‘BBQ in the Burg’ becoming a reality

Summer is almost upon us although if you walked outside recently, then you might conclude that it is already here.

Mark White is Editor of The News Journal.

It seems like any more we go straight from winter to summer without much of a spring in between, but that is another column for another day.

Summer is quickly approaching, which in Whitley County means plenty of stuff outside to do starting with this weekend as there will be several choices.

If you like antique and classic cars and trucks, then you have two options this weekend.

On Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Third-Annual Corbin Rod Run will take place both inside and outside of The Corbin Arena.

The event will feature an array of vintage and custom vehicles plus there will be a swap meet for those looking for hard to find parts.

Admission is $10 for adults and children ages 12 and under are admitted for free with a paid adult.

Spaces inside The Arena are full, but there are still spaces available outside of The Arena available for rent.

Do you enjoy antique cars and trucks, but were wanting to find a slightly cheaper way of doing so, like maybe for free? We’ve got you covered there too.

The first Cumberland River Cruise-In of the season is set to take place Saturday in downtown Williamsburg around the old courthouse. Additional Cumberland River Cruise-Ins are also planned every third Saturday in Williamsburg through the fall so come down and check them out.

Also, taking place in downtown Williamsburg Saturday afternoon, is the inaugural “BBQ in the Burg.” All pitmasters are invited to attend participate.

There will be judge’s choice and people’s choice awards given out in three categories: pulled pork, ribs and pulled chicken.

Sampling will begin at 11 a.m. and tickets can be purchased for $1 a ticket to participate in the people’s choice voting.

I am really looking forward to the BBQ cookoff.

The last time there was a barbecue cookoff in Williamsburg was in 2018 as part of the bicentennial celebrations for Williamsburg and Whitley County.

Whitley County held the barbecue cookoff as part of its celebration on the courthouse lawn in Williamsburg and I think there were six or eight participants if a remember correctly. Pat White cooked ribs and Greg Petrey cooked this great pulled barbecue chicken. Mayor Roddy Harrison and Kristen Smith were two of the three judges I believe.

It was some pretty good food and, being a fat man, I know such things…LOL.

I frequently lobbied my pal Nannie Hays, who was Williamsburg Main Street Manager until her death in 2021, trying to get her to organize another barbecue cookoff, and suggested she do so in conjunction with some other event going on in order to get a bigger crowd.

I am thrilled to see that it is finally happening.

There is still more you can do Saturday though.

The Corbin Tourism and Convention Commission and State Farm Insurance will be presenting a free “Movies in the Park” at Sanders Park on Main Street.

The featured film will be the 2006 animated feature Cars. The movie features race car Lightning McQueen, who gets stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs.

The movie begins at dark and treats will be provided.

As the pandemic proved, life is too short and it’s good to be able to get outside and socialize so come out and take advantage of some of the fine events that local officials have finalized.