The art of barbecuing has evolved in the Americas as explorers, pirates and even Sir Walter Raleigh discovered the natives outdoor cooking technique. Residents of Bath and environs can test their grill skills during the free BBQ Fest, Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. The time-honored tradition of beer also will be recognized with a beer garden featuring domestic and craft beer and wine that opens at noon.
Competitors may start cooking Friday, June 15, at 8 p.m., and should be checked in no later than 7 p.m. Representatives from civic groups, churches, schools, law enforcement, fire fighters, teachers and other nonprofits can participate. The plates and desserts will be for sale.
Each team will provide its own meats, sides, and desserts and can charge spectators for plates and raise money for the team. Judging will be by Rep. Brownie Futrell. Music provided by “Old Smoke” will waft through the air at Bonner’s Point Saturday, June 16, 5-8 p.m. For event registration forms or questions, contact chris.umfleet@ncdcr.gov.
Beer was a mainstay in colonial Bath also. Many women made “small” beer for their household, that was under two percent alcohol and consumed even by young children. “Medium” beers were three to seven percent alcohol, and would be served at taverns – and there were six taverns in Bath by the mid-1700s. The “large” beers, also called barley beers, were seven to 17% alcohol and reserved for celebrations, or stocked by the well-off.
Come enjoy the celebration of old traditions of barbecue and beer at the BBQ Fest. Also examine the 10-panel exhibit on the history, cultural adaptations and methods for barbecue at the Historic Bath Exhibit Center through Aug. 31.
For additional information on the exhibit, call (252) 923-3971. Historic Bath is within the Division of State Historic Sites of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and located at 207 Carteret St., Bath, N.C.