Lake Murray, SC - Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC), the Regional Tourism Board based in Lexington County that represents all counties that touch Lake Murray, held a press conference on the front steps of Segra Park, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. “A year from now, in June of 2024, Columbia SC will host the inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown” stated Miriam Atria, President and CEO of CCLMC. She went on to say that “this 2-day event held here at Segra Park will be the first “Food Sport Competition Event” ever to be held in a Sports Complex in the United States.” The Southeastern BBQ Showdown will be an exciting unique tourism event for both locals and visitors, and CCLMC along with their partners are thrilled to bring this unique competition to South Carolina.
Capitalizing on the momentum of sending 3 South Carolina teams to the World Food Championships (WFC), hosting the WFC Final Table Event, and Food and Travel naming Lake Murray Country a “Top Southern Summer Destination” for the eclectic flavors of the region - CCLMC developed a grand slam National BBQ competition event for Columbia, S.C. The Southeastern BBQ Showdown will pit the best of the best in the national competitive BBQ scene. Teams will compete during the 2-day ticketed event which will culminate with an A-list Country Music concert and fireworks show finale.
Speakers at the press conference included Mark Conway of Mark Conway Media, the Emcee of the World Food Championships, and the World Championship Chili Cook-Off; Mayor Daniel Rickenmann; and Brad Shank, Team President of the Columbia Fireflies. Also in attendance were Jim Wellman of the South Carolina Barbeque Association; Bill Ellen, President & CEO of Experience Columbia, Columbia City Councilman, Howard Duvall; Lexington County Councilwoman, Debbie Summers; and the Columbia Fireflies mascot, Mason made an appearance.
The specific date of the event will be released later this Summer. Look for more exciting event information to be announced soon!
About The Southeastern BBQ Showdown:
Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board and The Columbia Fireflies are teaming up to bring the first-of-its-kind high-stakes BBQ Competition to Columbia, S.C. in June of 2024. Over the course of 2 days, chefs from around the Southeast will compete for the top prize. The event is open to the public and will include a vendor expo, shag music, food tastings, a superstar Country Music concert, a fireworks show, and much more!
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