Grilling on Main, Minden’s premier downtown event, is ready to roll tomorrow and Saturday.
The third annual Grilling on Main is headlined by the BBQ Cook-Off, which this year features a $7500 payout spread across the top eight cooks. There is also a $500 prize for the “people’s choice” winner, as well as cash prizes specifically for the best cooks from Webster Parish.
Main Street President Terry Gardner provided the latest updates Wednesday on the event numbers for this year.
“We have 35 entries for the cook-off right now, and we’re hoping to cap it at 40,” Gardner said. “We also have five food vendors, which is enough where each of them can make money, and a host of craft vendors.”
Vendors will be able to set up as early as 10 a.m. both Friday and Saturday. Tickets for the public to try the contestants’ cooking will go on sale for $5 at 10 Saturday morning, with tasting beginning at 11.
Attendees not participating in the cook-off will still have plenty to do. A large cornhole tournament of up to 50 teams will take place Friday evening. Unlike last year, the cornhole tournament also has payouts, with the first place team collecting $500.
Gardner said the tournament still has some openings, and teams can register at Orleans on Main until 5 p.m. Friday.
“Main Street will close at 5 Friday morning,” he said. “Be prepared to kind of detour around. It will be closed at the hospital, so you can cut down through there.”
The Dusty Rose Band will play in the Capital One Parking lot at 6 p.m. the first night, and the Dorcheat Bottom Band will grace the stage on Pearl Street starting at 12:30 that Saturday. To bolster the entertainment, Krewe des Ambassadeurs will have a beer garden in the Easley Studios lot opening at 4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
A water slide has been added this year for children to enjoy Saturday only. Gardner also added that Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will be present as one of the judges for the chicken cook-off.
“Come out and have a good time, it’s for the whole family,” Gardner said.
Title sponsor for the cook-off is B1 Bank, and title sponsor for the cornhole tournament is Gibsland Bank & Trust.
Other top tier sponsors include Webster Parish Tourism, Minden Medical Center, Minden’s Finest Storage, Minden Press-Herald, Fibrebond, Coca Cola Bottling Co. of Minden, Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Republic Services, and IMA, Inc.