Cooking competition returns
How to get tickets to this year’s downsized event
The Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest is back this year. Here’s how to get tickets.
Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is back this year.
The cooking contest will be May 12-15 at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.
You can expect a few changes this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, including capacity at the event.
According to Randy Blevins, Memphis in May vice president of marketing and programming, there will be a 67% reduction in capacity this year. The number of teams has been reduced from an average of 247 teams to just under 150 competitors.
A limited quantity of general admission tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. March 29. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com or memphisin may.org.
These tickets are expected to sell out quickly due to capacity restrictions. Tickets will not be available at the gate. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
According to a news release, Memphis in May received approval for the cooking contest to move forward from the Shelby County Health Department for the events after presenting comprehensive health and safety guidelines to address COVID-19 concerns. The modifications will result in a smaller and different World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, as well as a smaller Great American River Run.
“We’re excited to be back in Tom Lee Park even though the World Championship will be somewhat muted,” said James Holt, president and CEO of Memphis in May International Festival. “We’ve made significant changes and downsizing so we can safely produce our two events for all involved. We’re back and we couldn’t be happier.”
Shelby County Health Department approved modifications for the cooking contest include significantly reducing overall capacity, reducing the number of competition teams, drastically reducing general admission tickets, expanding the team spaces, reducing operating hours, temperature screening, face mask requirements, social distancing and other safety protocols.
Blevins said entertainment such as BBQ Alley, the Miss Piggy Idol Contest and Sauce Wrestling will be canceled for 2021. These events are expected to return in 2022.
The Patio Porkers division is eliminated from the 2021 competition.
“Patio Porkers is more entry-level teams,” said Blevins, adding that division should return next year.
The Great American River Run will be held on May 29.
Health department-approved modifications for the run include limiting capacity, staggering start times, no gathering before or after the race, temperature screening, requiring face masks when not running, social distancing, discouraging spectators and other safety protocols. Registration for the halfmarathon, 10K and 5K is open now at memphisinmay.org.
Beale Street Music Festival and the international Salute to Ghana will be held in May 2022.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.