The smoke has cleared. The riverfront has been cleaned. The cooks have left town.
Concrete pigs remain.
And while planners admit that there are a few bugs to work out, a second-annual Smokin’ on the River barbecue festival is being pondered for next year. The first festival was held on Jeffersonville’s waterfront, near the intersection of Spring Street and Riverside Drive, two weekends ago.
Barbecue enthusiasts from around the region packed the area and competed in what was a state qualifying cook-off for national tournaments.
“I was thrilled with everything,” said Bev Knight, Jeffersonville Parks and Recreation Department assistant superintendent. “By Friday night, we were already planning for next year.”
She estimates that about 1,800 people attended June 19 and another 3,200 came out the next day and night — more than had been expected.
“We heard a lot of good comments,” she said, noting that many contestants spoke of returning next year.
“I thought it was excellent,” said Mayor Tom Galligan.
He said he heard many good comments not only on the food, but the music. The event doubles as a blues festival.
However, he noted, there were changes to be made in terms of how many and where food vendors were set up. Some residents complained that they weren’t aware barbecue dishes would not be available directly from competitors.
“Anytime you have something new, you find things [that need to be changed,]” Galligan said.
Knight said the ticket system — in which those wanting food had to buy a ticket to go to the vendor area — created too much congestion.
Residents would have to wait in line for a ticket, then wait in line again for food.
Knight said that system had worked at other barbecue festivals, but was ineffective in Jeffersonville. Next year, she said, residents likely will buy directly from vendors.
Additionally, she said, more picnic tables will be needed to accommodate festival-goers next year.
Getting the word out early will also be a priority, Knight said, especially regarding the festival’s concrete pig promotion.
About 30 local residents and businesses paid $100 each to decorate concrete pigs for a contest that took place at the festival. This year’s contest was won by Third Base Lounge, for its biker pig.
Clark County
Planners ‘thrilled’ with BBQ turnout
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Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
As the deadline approaches, more schools are failing to meet requirements under the law, with nearly half not doing so last year, according to the Center on Education Policy.
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Democrats downsize: Clark County Democrats want to remove five precinct committee people for supporting candidates outside party
DeArk also said he never received a letter that said he may be removed as a precinct committeeman.
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“As a matter of practice, I do not accept certified mail,” he said. -
Paying their fair share?
John Gilkey, president of the town council, said when Knott initially shared the information with him a few weeks ago, he was surprised to learn some residents weren’t paying any taxes.
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 9, 2012
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Daniels visits Jeff to sign book, talk right-to-work
- Feb 8, 2012
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Single father graduates from Family Drug Court
Carmichael said the carrot and stick in Drug Court is not going back to prison. In the Family Treatment Drug Court, the motivation is to get their kids back. The participants have pending Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases.
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Some lawmakers want you to cruise in for Sunday commerce
The current ban on motorcycle sales is a remnant of Indiana’s old “blue laws” that prohibited various activities on Sundays. The legislature has been slowly chipping away at them.
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Court of appeals hears Messer appeal
Counseled by attorney Bart Betteau, the basis of Messer’s appeal was that his words were constitutionally-protected free speech. But Special Judge Roger Duvall upheld the merit commission’s decision in 2011.
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Jeffersonville mayor, council disagree on hiring
Moore said he would veto the legislation, but include a recommendation that the three already hired positions be funded. Zastawny said the council would consider that recommendation.
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GCCS OKs modified balanced calendar
The calendar for 2012-2013 closely follows the calendar adopted by the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation for the same year.
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Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
