(WSIL) -- Two local barbecue events originally slated for September have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The "Praise the Lard" Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off was set for Sept. 24-26, but a statement on the event's says it's been officially postponed.
"We came up with several ideas to scale back and hold some sort of contest, but, ultimately, our state is in Phase Four of its reopening plan, and the cap on public events is 50 people. We want to keep everyone safe, and having teams and judges traveling from multiple states doesn’t seem prudent.
Praise the Lard ~ Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-off and Steak Cook-off is a jewel in the crown of the barbecue circuit and a highly anticipated event both in the industry and in our region. We are always so grateful for the generous support from both the barbecue world and Southern Illinois. Rest assured we will be back with a vengeance in 2021 to continue this 33-year tradition!"
Statement on Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off
The annual festival held each year in downtown Paducah has also been canceled.
Organizers say the decision was reached after meeting with city, local and state health officials.
"It has become very clear that in 2020 BBQOTR being held in downtown Paducah, as it has for the past 25 years, will simply not be possible. The health and safety of our attendees, vendors, participants, and volunteers are of the utmost importance to us. We believe the most prudent course of action at this time is to cancel the 2020 downtown festival."
Press release on cancellation of 2020 Barbecue on the River
The board for the Barbecue on the River festival says it's working on an alternative event, currently being called "BBQ OFF the River," to take place Sept. 24-26. More information is expected to be released soon.
