By Marilyn Miller

“Grilling on Main” 2024, the annual Minden BBQ Cookoff Festival, was the main business of the Minden Downtown Development Commission and Minden Main Street meeting Tuesday evening.

Sponsorships and contestants are still being sought for the June 7-8, 2024 event, for everything from entertainment to cornhole competition. All events, including Lil Grillers, the Kids Area, Cornhole, entertainment, food and shopping vendors, fireworks, and smacking on lots of good grilled meat, will take place in downtown Minden.

“A major difference this year falls in our People’s Choice competition, where each competitor is being given their choice of meat, which will NOT be provided,” said Main Street Director Taylor Wren. The voting public will be given wristbands for a fee and will be allowed to taste samples from the People’s Choice competitors. Once they have voted on their favorite, the wristband will be cut-off. “One winner will receive a $1,000 payout,” Taylor added, explaining that participation in this competition is optional with all team entries.

Barbecue Competitors Alliance (BCA) and local teams consist of four people with a $185 entry fee per team. Winners will receive a monetary payout with a total winner payout of $10,000. Categories are brisket, chicken, and pork spareribs.

“All contestants must follow BCA guidelines,” Taylor said. “All three meats must be cooked to qualify for Grand Champion.”

More sponsorship opportunities and event attractions will develop over the coming weeks. For more information, contact Taylor at 318-371-4258 or www.mindenla.org/gom. Interested judges may also contact Ms. Wren.

The next MDDC/Minden Main Street meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13 at 5 p.m. in the Pelican Room at Minden City Hall. This is a public meeting.