This year’s event will feature 60+ local teams competing in the Backyard Boogie and the Lamar Outdoor Advertising Chicken Little Contest, making this event one of the largest BBQ event in the State of Louisiana.
The event also features local bands from around the region playing music on the Northshore Broadcasting stage both Friday night and Saturday. Come and enjoy world class BBQ and listen to local favorites.
The Smokin’ Hammond BBQ Challenge is a FREE event. No tickets required.
Make sure to visit the Backyard Boogie Contestant area for some delicious treats – Tip-2-Taste! All donations from Tip-2-Taste benefit local charities.
EVENT HOURS
ADMISSION IS FREE!!!
Event Hours:
Friday- March 24, 2023 – 4:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M
Saturday- March 25, 2023 – 9:00 A.M – 4:00 P.M.
So that the event is safe and fun for everyone, it is a must that you leave pets, skateboards, bicycles, radios, and roller-blades at home. Thank you for your cooperation!
Looking to try some delicious BBQ? You can – by participating as a judge in our Tip-2-Taste competition. Sample as many participating booths as you like and leave a tip at each booth. The team with the most tips is our winner!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TIP-2-TASTE AND PARTICIPATING TEAMS, CLICK HERE!
INFORMATION/VOLUNTEER BOOTH
Visit the Information Booth to pick up your festival schedule and to ask general questions about the festival or downtown events.
If you would like to help out in the Information Booth or if you would like to volunteer during this year’s event, email HERE!
FIRST AID STATION
Emergency Assistance
If you should need help at the festival, please contact any law enforcement official, emergency personnel, or the Acadian Ambulance station located by the railroad tracks on Coleman Street near Backyard Boogie Headquarters. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE MAP)
They will be glad to assist you as needed.
RESTROOMS
Portable restrooms are located throughout the festival!
LOST & FOUND
The event operates a lost and found at the Information/Volunteer Booth near the Police Headquarters in the competition area. (CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE MAP). Found items should be taken to the Information/Volunteer Booth. To avoid problems caused by losing items such as car keys, rain gear, hats, phones and other things, the executive board recommends you secure keys in a pocket, backpack, or fanny pack. Event goers should also look around carefully before leaving any area.
After the event: all items that have not been picked up will be taken to the Hammond BBQ Inc Headquarters.
Lost Children: Children who appear to be alone or without adult supervision at the event will be taken to the Police Headquarters located near the Beer Booth and the Information/Volunteer Booth (CLICK HERE TO VIEW SITE MAP). Announcements to reunite parents and children will be made from the stages.
Lost Adults: The executive board recommends that groups arrange specific meeting spots and times during the day and evening. Remember, there is minimal lighting at the event during the evening.
EVENT PARKING
DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS & RESIDENTS
In our continued effort to eliminate any confusion, and to provide advance notification to all downtown merchants and residents concerning parking mall and street closures associated with the Hammond Smokin’ BBQ Challenge, please review the following information:
Parking malls will be CLOSED as signs designate beginning Wednesday night.
VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE
Please review local Hammond maps for public & handicap parking.