5th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival to Benefit Harvest Hope
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contact: Stephanie Sox, 803-734-1767, ssox@scda.sc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 16, 2016
5th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival to Benefit Harvest Hope
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 5th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-off and Festival, one of the Midlands most anticipated annual events, returns this year on Saturday, March 19 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the State Farmers Market in West Columbia. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Harvest Hope Food Bank.
Sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network, over 40 cook teams from across the Southeast will compete for the State Championship title and other top prizes. A family-friendly event, the public is invited to enjoy live music provided by Going Commando Band, an antique tractor exhibit, children’s activities that will include the Ag Simulator and an agricultural craft, and a variety of BBQ taste samples, while supplies last. In addition to the samples, BBQ plates will be available for purchase from the It’s A Matter of Taste food truck. And to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a specialty donut from the Donut Man or hand-churned ice cream.
“We’re looking forward to the cook-off and festival,” said Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture. “As a result of the event’s growing popularity, we’re anticipating over 3,500 attendees this year. It’s truly becoming a Midlands tradition.”
A public event, admission is $5 per person. Children ages 12 and under get in for free with three canned goods for Harvest Hope. Boxes will be on site during the festival for canned good donations.
The State Farmers Market is located at located at 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia. For more information, visit agriculture.sc.gov or contact Elizabeth Shuler at 803-734-0328 or eshuler@scda.sc.gov.
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5th Annual Commissioner’s Cup BBQ Cook-Off and Festival Press Release