By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - For those who love their barbecue chicken, baby back ribs or pulled pork sandwiches, a fundraiser on Sept. 1 will bring some of the best to the Riverwalk Center in Fort Pierce.
Called the "Taste of the South Barbecue Festival," the first-year event is to benefit the Pilot Club of Fort Pierce.
"We have several teams coming from out of town," said Kevin Vanover, the organizer of the festival and owner of Above Average Entertainment. "We have teams coming in from North and South Carolina, Georgia and cities here in Florida."
On a local level, there are already a few teams signed up to compete, including the championship competition team Git 'R Smoked BBQ and Catering and Tillman's Famous BBQ.
For the barbecue festival, a people's choice award will allow festival goers to vote on their favorites.
"It's more of a local festival," Mr. Vanover said.
But the event is more than just food. Dozens of art and craft vendors will be on hand to display their wares, and music will be performed by live bands throughout the day.
Local bands such as The Russ Maxwell Band, Felix Moss and the Easy People Band, and the Humdingers are expected to take the stage in the all-day event. There are even plans for a music competition, called the Treasure Coast Flat Pickin competition, where a guitar pick is used to pluck the guitar strings.
"Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and settle in for the day," Mr. Vanover said. "From foodies to music lovers, there will be something here for everyone."
The Taste of the South barbecue festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center, 600 N. Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, call (772) 985-2083 or email ftpiercebbq@yahoo.com.