The Natchitoches Area Jaycees are hosting the inaugural Cane River Brews & Que Saturday, June 5 at the Cane River Brewing Co.
The Brews & Que event is replacing the former Cookin’ on the Cane, an IBCA sanctioned barbecue event. The new and improved event will feature barbecue competition, barbecue tasting, drinks, and a live band.
“We wanted to revamp the event to make it more public-friendly,” said Patrick West, Natchitoches Area Jaycees Chapter President. “We wanted to give the public more tasting opportunities and make it more of a social event.”
There will still be a barbecue cook-off component, as well as public access to tasting.
For the barbecue competition, the 2021 contest will have four main judged food categories: pork ribs, Boston butt/pork shoulder, beef brisket and half chicken. To be considered for the “Grand Champion” title, a team must enter at least three of the four food categories. In addition to the food categories, teams may also compete in lagniappe categories.
Teams will provide tasting samples for the event attendees. Attendees will be given tickets to put in jars for their favorite teams. The tickets will be collected and tabulated, and the team with the most tickets will be named the People’s Choice winner.
The gates will open to event attendees at 4 p.m. Admission will be $30 if purchased in advance or $40 at the door Saturday, June 5. Attendees will receive four tickets for the People’s Choice judging, two beer tokens, and access to the bandstand. Live music will be begin at 7 p.m. The event will take place at Cane River Brewing Co., 108 Mill Street in Natchitoches.
Admission tickets are available through Eventbrite and on the Cane River Brews & Que Facebook event.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jaycees scholarship fund through the Northwestern State University Foundation.
The event is sponsored in part by the Natchitoches Historic Development Commission.
The Natchitoches Area Jaycees mission is to provide development opportunities that empower people to create positive change and to be the leading global network of young active citizens. The Natchitoches chapter has been active since 1956 and has contributed thousands of man-hours to worthy causes since the chapter’s inception.