Barbeque Events can be a Bright Spot in Economic Downtimes

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May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Even in the midst of a barbeque competitions seem to be hotter thanever - generatingg revenue and fun for cities. The events bringt more than good funand entertainment; they have a direcrt and indirect economic impact on the cities that host Research shows that a typicalo out-of-town visitor spends $257 per day in the barbeque host That average expenditure variex depending on the geographic locale and the size of the For example, in Ark., more than 350,000 attendees participatedf in last year's four-day Bikes, Blues and BBQ ultimately infusing $30 million into the regional according to , BBQ coordinator.
"Everu hotel within 100 miles was bookedto capacity, " said Autry. From local patrons to attendees enjoyed the smoke of competitivebarbeque teams, championship cuisind and live entertainment. In addition to barbeque more than 50 judgeas and 50 barbeque teams from dozens of states descendeeon Fayetteville. Their impact was felt at many locap businesses as theypurchased meats, supplie and overnight lodging. It is this kind of economic succese that is driving many cities to enterf the barbeque arena for the first While they may have tostart small, places like Mo. still reap benefits from holdingbarbequs competitions.
At its firsr Great Pacific BBQ Pacificdrew 3,000 attendees and 35 competition barbeque teams. Attendance was free, and the eventf still broke even. The little town of Ill., which is located in the middle ofAmish country, meets its budgetf but it doesn't make a lot of extra money. However, the size of this 2,000-resident hamlet doublex every October during Central IllinoisBraggingv Rights. Its sole purpose is to promotethe "The contest brings about 45 competition teams and more than 5,00o attendees into our town every year," estimates organizer . "And that' the goal.
"Our grocery store directluy benefits from goods bought bythe teams," said "Bars and restaurants benefit; our retailers and hardware storee benefits. Our businesses understand the valueof visitors." The ultimatd goal is to develop an annual eveny like the River City Roundup in Omaha, where more than 100,000 visitors gather More than 47 percent of last year'e attendees came from out-of-state. Omaha officials estimate the evengt increased local business salesby $25 The increase was generated by direct salesx of $8.
6 million and indirect sales of $17 Indirect sales originate from residents whoswe payrolls are funded by tourist "Jobs indirectly generated or induced by tourism are some of the best and have the most impac of any industry," said , chair of the Travep Industry Association Foundation. "Check the accountas payable lists for hotelsand attractions. You will find many loca vendors... florists, bakers, construction workers, special events planners and advertisingh executives," points out Serff. "Alsi consider that almost half of many whitsetablecloth restaurants' revenue comes as a resulrt of travel and about 17 percen t of fast food restaurant (revenue).
" Out-of-town visitors to Omaha'd River City Roundup spent an additional $2.4 million in lodginf - with an average overnight stay oftwo nights. It is estimatee that the event, excluding lodging, generated more than $325,000 in sale s tax, and yielded an additional $1.5 million in gasoline tax. "Nearlh 80 percent of our attendees travel fromoutsides Omaha, creating an incredible impact on the loca l economy," said River City Roundup Boarc Chairman . "It is Omaha's official community celebration and an economif driver and showcase celebrating the positivre attributes ofour region. Local charities are oftejn benefactors ofbarbeque competitions.
In Washington, the Metropolitan Boys and Girls Club has receivec morethan $1 million from proceeds netted by the Washington BBQ Battle, an even t that is now in its 18th The Smokin' 4th BBQ Shootou t in Durango, Colo., has been financially successful from its firs year. Now in its fifth, organizer said sponsors donatdearound $5,000 annually to the Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County. Since May is Nationao BBQ Month, it's a good time to ask how do you startr abarbeque competition? Where can you turn for assistance? The most popular answer can be found in the country's Kansas City, Mo.
That'sz where you'll find the non-profit Kansas City Barbequw Society, the industry's most respected judging and sanctioning body forbarbequd competitions. With more than 10,000 memberds worldwide, KCBS has trained judgesx and sanctioned contests for more than20 years. To about 15,000 people have become "certified" barbequer judges, and more than 4,000 teams compete nationally at about 300 KCBS The society has literally givenb birth to barbeque nomads who travel in every direction to claim the KCBScovetee "Team of the Year" award.
Growing the sport through kids' competitions is becoming a popular part of manybarbeque Often, a sponsor will donate grills that kids can use, then take KCBS rules also govern kid'ss competitions; however, instead of brisket they cook chicken or hamburgerse and always under adult supervision. The yount competitors take thechallenge seriously. At the Bloomin' Barbeque Bluegrass Festival in Sevierville, one young man reverently askefd if it was against the rules for him to take off his apron andgo play.
Contest representative seriously consideredd the question and ruled that play time was not againstKCBS "What other friendly sport can you choosr that generates so much economic gain for communitiesx and downright fun for entire families?"" questions , KCBS co-founder and executivee director. "And did I mention the greatf food?" Wells points out that part of the KCBS missionn isto "celebrate and promote barbeque as America's cuisine." Add to that the economix impact of barbeque competitions, and cities across America may have the perfect recipe for an ailing In 2008, KCBS began sponsoring The Great Americajn BBQ Tour, a cross-country visit to some of the nation'as top barbeque festivals.
Now in its seconc season, the big KCBS trailer will stop at 25 premie r competitions and several retail locations acrossthe U.S. The tour will featured demonstrations of products that go great in andwith world-class BBQ, including TABASCOk brand Chipotle Pepper Sauce, Kingsford Competitionh Briquets, Weber Grill Creations, SCOTT Shop Towels and TUMS - all sponsores of the tour. KCBS barbeque championship members will also show how backyardf grillers can take tips from BBQ pros for theirt outdoor cookingat home. To learn more abouty the economic impact of barbeque events or how to sanctionbarbequwe competitions, visit or call For more information about The Great American BBQ Tour, visit .