The third annual Blazin’ BBQ and Bluegrass event hosted by Marshall County Tourism will be held September 18th and 19th in Centennial Park thanks to last night’s approval by the Plymouth Park Board.
Cory Humes, Executive Director of Tourism said teams travel from all over the Midwest to this competition. Last year there were 33 barbecue team with an estimated 1,000 visitors who attended the two day event.
Again this year Humes requested hosting a beer tasting event on Friday evening from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. The plan is to hold the tasting in the Horse Barn with those 21 years and older being the only ones allowed. It would be a ticketed event with security to help maintain order.
Humes said they plan to have Black Sail Brewery and Evil Check provide several locally crafted beers for tasting with sampling sizes being 2 to 4 ounces.
Humes said the reason why the Marshall County event has been successful is the location and infrastructure offered to competitors. Having the electric panels from the Blueberry Festival, the water hookups, availability of camping and showers on site and the closeness of hotel rooms is appealing to participants.
Park Board member Jim Causey said, “You know we don’t have prohibition in the park except for the Blueberry Festival contract.” He continued, “It seems to me this goes in line with the type of event you have.” Causey said he would like to hear from the public on the idea.
Park Board president Dave Morrow said they have denied all prior similar requests but felt this event was from a different point of view. He asked the city attorney to look into the requirements for liability insurance for hosting a beer tasting event.
The park board approved use of the park for the Blazin’ BBQ competition and tabled action on the beer tasting request to allow public comments.
