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Plans are Underway for Inaugural Sooie’t Relief Barbeque Competition in Greer

Plans are underway for the Upstate’s first ever Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned benefit set to occur on Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 in downtown Greer. Governor Nikki Haley has granted the Sooie’t Relief BBQ Benefit event the Governor’s Proclamation, meaning the competition will yield a state champion who will also qualify for the Kansas City BBQ Society’s national invitational championship. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greer Relief and Resources Agency.

The event will kick off on Friday, August 26 as more than 20 competition cookers will set up their smokers and prepare for all night cooking. Judging will take place on Saturday, August 27 for the best chicken at 12 noon, pork at 12:30 PM, pork ribs at 1 PM, and beef brisket at 1:30 PM. Barbeque teams from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio and Virginia will compete for $4,000 in cash prizes, bragging rights and a chance at the state championship. Saturday, August 27 will also feature the Sooie’t Relief BBQ Street Fair from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Trade Street in Greer with food, beverages, carnival rides for kids, live music, entertainment and more. Food and beverage tickets will be available at the event for $1. All you can ride wristbands for kids will be sold for $15. Admission to the event is free.

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase the art of barbeque and our own community,” said Caroline T. Robinson, executive director of the Greer Relief and Resources Agency. “South Carolina has always been known for its barbeque. This event is going to be a great time for everyone. Having the prestigious Kansas City BBQ Society sanction this cooking competition is an honor and we look forward to making this one of Greer’s annual traditions.”

Live entertainment will occur on the stage located on Trade Street. The entertainment line-up for Saturday’s activities includes:

2 – 3 p.m. Spencer Rush (acoustic/pop/rock)
Rush has taken the best of his musical influences such as Elton John, The Police and Pink Floyd and created a sound described as “unique, yet utterly universal.” Rush is based in Greenville, SC.

3:15-4:15 p.m. Taylor Moore (Caribbean inspired vocal stylings)
Taylor Moore is a Caribbean journalist turned full-time guitar slinger, bandleader and songwriter. Moore, who performs throughout the Southeast, dazzles crowds with his guitar pyrotechnics, original songwriting and Ray LaMontagne-meets-Rod Stewart vocal stylings.

4:30-5:30 p.m. The Bent Strings (folk/bluegrass/jazz)
The Bent Strings musical performances features guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass string instruments.

5:45-6:45 p.m. Doug Jones (of Cravin' Melon) and Family (Rock)
Cravin’ Melon lead singer Doug Jones will take the stage with his family members. Cravin’ Melon was formed at Clemson University in 1994.

7 -8:15 p.m. Blue Dogs (American country-rock acoustics)
Blue Dogs is a Charleston, SC based band that plays and sings American country-rock music.

8:30-10 p.m. Midway Blue (country, funk and southern rock)
Self-described as performers of southern rock n roll outlaw country, Midway Blue has opened and shared the stage with various touring artist such as The Marshall Tucker Band, Edwin McCain, The Blue Dogs, Brantley Gilbert, and many more.

Sooie’t Relief BBQ Benefit will be a “waste neutral” event to keep as much waste from landfills as possible. With the help of Carolina Worm Castings, vegetable matter will diverted to vermicompost (worm bed). Cardboard, plastic and glass recycling will be provided and food waste, paper and used charcoal will be composted.

All proceeds from the Sooie’t Relief BBQ Benefit event will support local individuals and families in need through the Greer Relief and Resources Agency. The event planning committee is actively seeking volunteers. For information about volunteering or to register your business as a participant, contact Greer Relief at 864.848-5355 or email info@greerrelief.org.

About the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)
The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque, is the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 14,000 members worldwide. KCBS sanctions over 300 barbeque contests coast-to-coast throughout America. From volunteering to actual event production, KCBS members also offer assistance to civic and charitable organizations who organize events. For more information, visit www.kcbs.us

About Greer Relief and Resources Agency
Greer Relief and Resources Agency, Inc. was chartered in 1936 to help neighbors in crisis during the Great Depression. For 75 years, the agency has been serving the Greater Greer community by providing emergency relief, promoting self-sufficiency, and facilitating the partnerships of the agencies within the J. Verne Smith Center. Greer Relief serves clients through its emergency assistance program, case management and counseling services, food pantry, human service referrals, special event programs and other initiatives. Greer Relief is located within the J. Verne Smith Center in downtown Greer. For more information, visit www.greerrelief.org.