Paducah’s 23rd annual Barbecue on the River Festival is expected to bring up to 50,000 attendees, according to director David Boggs.
The three-day festival beginning Thursday includes food booths, a 5K run, musical entertainment and a farmer’s market. Boggs said 34 teams will compete in a cook-off for the title of Grand Champion.
“It’s always bigger and better,” Boggs said. “We’ve got an expanded children’s area and several new food vendors so we’re just really looking forward to this year.”
Boggs said organizers are hoping to raise $500,000 dollars for 75 local charities. He said it is too early to determine the economic impact but said local businesses will benefit from thousands of visitors.
