I realize there is a lot of silt in the water after the sudden announcement of the cancellation of the KCBS sanctioned event at the Jug Tavern festival that makes it hard to get a clear picture of what is happening. It will take a little time for it all to settle, but let me pass along what we know first hand as of this posting. This information all comes directly from the people on the ground in Barrow County.
The Winder City Council has decided to do away with the sanctioned BBQ contest. They say they plan to continue the Jug Tavern festival as before, but without the BBQ contest. Some local teams were asked to vend. No reason has been given for the cancellation, but the Council has said they do not want any overnight events at the venue.
A separate, new event called "Flags are Flying" has been scheduled for May, to be held in the same venue. If the City prohibits overnight occupation, it seems that this event will be limited to backyard.
In the interest of keeping the competition BBQ community coming to Barrow County in September, some of the people who helped to launch Jug Tavern originally are now working to put together another contest in a different venue. As of yet no official announcement can be made, but the effort is moving swiftly and groundwork has already been laid with KCBS, local authorities, etc. A preliminary announcement is expected very soon, with full details and call for signups to debut as soon as the GBC banquet Feb 7th.
So hang tight and keep the weekend open, folks. I'll pass along more information just as soon as we have solid commitments from all the parties involved.
-GF
