What's next for Memphis in May BBQ contest? Teams' feedback sought about event's future

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
·2 min read
4

Will Memphis in May continue its world famous barbecue cooking contest? Seems the fate of this barbecue cooking contest is up in the air.

On Tuesday evening, Memphis in May President and CEO Jim Holt sent an email to barbecue teams stating that he does not "anticipate" that the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the recently renovated Tom Lee Park in 2024. He cited the "difficulties" Memphis in May experienced with the current park managers, Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP).

He asked for input from barbecue teams on where the 2024 contest should be held.

"Before solidifying the WCBCC venue for 2024, we would like your feedback. Regrettably, there are not many alternative venue options within the city of Memphis," said Holt in the email.

Swine & Dine members prepare and season their ribs on May 19, 2023, during the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.
Swine & Dine members prepare and season their ribs on May 19, 2023, during the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.

He further started that Memphis in May is currently looking at the Fairgrounds at Liberty Park for the 2024 barbecue contest, where Memphis in May previously held the event in 2011 and in 2022.

"This seems to be the best available option. There are no viable locations to hold the event downtown or on the riverfront other than Tom Lee Park, and we no longer see TLP as a viable venue while Memphis River Parks Partnership has control of the park," Holt said in the email.

Memphis in May officials could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday evening.

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Teams were asked to vote on their thoughts about the selection of Liberty Park as the venue for 2024.

The three options include:

  • Liberty Park works for us. We are in for 2024. Let’s rumble!

  • Hate that we can no longer be on the riverfront. Not sure we’ll be back. In 2024.

  • Look for another venue, even if it means moving outside of Memphis proper.

All teams will be notified of the poll results Friday.

Memphis River Parks Partnership billed Memphis in May $1.4 million for damage expenses to the park after the 2023 events. On Sept. 8, Memphis River Parks Partnership filed a lawsuit against Memphis in May in Shelby County Circuit Court demanding a payment of $675,000, the remaining balance after all damage deposits.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Where will Memphis in May BBQ contest be in 2024? Team input sought