The Real Squeal Heats Up This Weekend
Barbecue competitions, live music, and fireworks – oh my! The annual Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival will grill up fun this weekend, as Lyons is filled with food and family fun on Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4.
The return of this year’s festival marks another checkpoint in the area’s recovery from Hurricane Helene, which caused last year’s festival to be canceled because of the continued from page
widespread destruction in the region during the festival’s scheduled dates.
Lyons Mayor Willis NeSmith Jr. commented on the festival’s return. “We’re proud to welcome back the Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival coming back one year stronger after Hurricane Helene – all fired up and smoking!” He emphasized. “This year brings 35 professional barbecue teams, 7 backyard teams, and over 21 sauce contest entries – plus vendors, arts and crafts, and family fun all weekend long. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and two classic car shows.”
He added, “Even with the lasting effects of the storm, this festival is proof of our community’s strength, spirit, and resilience. We are ready to celebrate together!”
Friday Events
Cooking
Festivities will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 3, as the Backyard BBQ Contest begins. This is the amateur cook-off competition for individuals, teams, families, and more to earn bragging rights for their barbecue chicken and pork ribs. The Grand Champion of this competition will receive $350 and one Reserve Grand Champion will be awarded $250, while first place in each category will take home $150, second place in each category will receive $125, and third place in each category is given a $100 prize.
Friday is also the deadline for entries to the BBQ Sauce Contest. This contest is open to everyone and allows each contestant three sauces per entry, which costs a $15 entry fee each. Sauce container pickup for the competition is from 5:00 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. at the Lyons Main Street Office; all entries are due by 7:00 p.m. on October 3 at the same location. First place is awarded $100, while second place takes home $75, and third place is given a $50 prize. Classic Car Cruise-In/ Cruise-Out Classic cars will be available for public viewing at the Cruise-In car show on Friday in Downtown Lyons. This event has a very laid-back atmosphere, as the public is welcome to visit with car owners and enjoy the experience. There is no cost for entry into this show, and prizes will be awarded for Squealer’s Choice and People’s Choice. For more information, contact Jay Hutcheson at 912-2450174. Street Dance and Fireworks
The annual Street Dance and Fireworks will be held in downtown Lyons beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature live music, several vendors, kids activities, and a fireworks show at 8:45 p.m.
Blaine Craft will be playing at the street dance at 7 p.m. This up and coming singer-songwriter is known for his blend of country and southern rock styles, and is sure to entertain any audience.
Saturday Events
Professional BBQ Contest
The Real Squeal Professional BBQ Contest is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and is a Georgia State Championship event. Competing teams will submit entries into the four KCBS meat categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket.
Currently, 35 professional teams are registered to compete at Partin Park on Saturday, October 4, beginning at 9 a.m., for $15,000 worth of cash prizes, trophies, and points! Award ceremonies will be held for all cooking contests on Saturday at Partin Park at 4 p.m. The Squealin’ Car Show
This Squealin’ Car Show has grown so large that Partin Park cannot hold the number of entries! To solve this problem, the car show will be held on Saturday, October 4, at the First Baptist Church in Lyons, located at 114 S Washington Street. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., judging will start at 11 a.m., and awards will be announced at 2 p.m. Entry is $20, and trophies will be awarded for several categories. For more information, contact Cody Williamson at 912585-7916.
Arts and Crafts
Partin Park will also be filled with several arts and crafts vendors on Saturday for the annual Arts and Crafts Show! The public will be able to peruse and purchase several handmade items and foods throughout the day, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
A magic show will be performed at the Dream House for the public to enjoy three separate times throughout the day, as performances are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Kids Activities
A fun zone will be set up at the Park with kids’ activities, carnival rides, and more to help entertain the youngest festivalgoers.
Awards
The winners of the annual Pig Tales Writing Competition will be announced at 10 a.m., while the Real Squeal Pageant Winners will be introduced to the public at 3:30 p.m. Barbecue competition awards will begin at 4 p.m. and will last until the festival’s 5 p.m. closing.
More Info
Information on each aspect of the festival is available on the Lyons Main Street Association’s website. For more information, call (912) 526-6445.
Magic Show
