Downtown Minden will fire up the pits June 13–14 as Grilling on Main returns with a full slate of events featuring live music, food vendors, games, fireworks, and a barbecue competition.
Hosted by Minden Main Street, the two-day event invites the public to sample barbecue for $5 per team, with local competitors facing off in brisket, chicken, ribs and a team-provided open dish for the People’s Choice category. The Grand Champion will receive a $4,000 prize and an award.
The event begins Friday, June 13, with competitor setup and check-in starting at 5 AM. Activities kick off at 6 PM with the Little Grillers competition, followed by a competitors meeting and meat handout at 7 PM. Live music by Flight Delay runs from 7 PM to 9 PM, with a cornhole tournament starting at 7:30 PM and fireworks at 9 PM.
On Saturday, the People’s Choice tasting runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. Turn-in times for competition entries are 11 AM for chicken, 1 PM for ribs, and 3 PM for brisket. Awards will be presented at 5 PM.
Additional prizes include $1,000 for the People’s Choice Champion, and tiered payouts in each meat category: $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $125 for third.
Vendors will be onsite throughout the weekend, along with raffles sponsored by Traeger and other businesses. Cornhole competition will also be featured, with organizers encouraging players of all skill levels to participate.
Organizers are encouraging downtown businesses to stay open and offer specials during the event weekend. Road closures begin at 5 AM on Friday, June 13. Businesses planning special hours or promotions are asked to contact Minden Main Street by June 2.
For team registration and additional details, visit www.mainstreetminden.com/grilling-on-main. For sponsor information, contact Shawn Hatcher at [email protected] or 318-272-0175. For competition-related questions, contact DJ McKinney at [email protected] or 318-553-1783.