Tables being set at Town Green for Beer, Bacon & Beyond Festival
By Toni Miles
The Annual Gulf Coast Beer, Bacon & Beyond Festival is set to take place at the Harper McCaughan Town Green in Long Beach on March 13-14.
On March 13 and 14, the savory smell of bacon and barbeque will fill the air at the Harper McCaughan Town Green in downtown Long Beach as the tables are prepared for the Friendly City to host this year’s Gulf Coast Annual Beer, Bacon & Beyond Festival.
The best part, besides the beer, bacon and barbeque? It’s all for a good cause.
Proceeds raised at the two-day event will directly support the Mississippi Heroes, a local non-profit dedicated to providing assistance and resources to support local military personnel (and their families) who have served the community and nation.
The 21+ event is scheduled to take place that Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. on both days. Both nights will open with a VIP gathering at 6 p.m. both nights, and then, beginning at 7 p.m., the festival fundraiser opens to all, offering up great food, craft beer, live music and fierce-but-friendly competition among the region’s most renowned chefs and grill masters.
Local chefs, pit masters, breweries and food enthusiasts will gather at the weekend event featuring a Chef’s Competition, People’s Choice Awards, live entertainment by popular local bands, and a World Food Championships Golden Ticket Competition.
Bacon-inspired dishes, barbeque favorites and varieties, as well as a wide selection of beer from local breweries will all be on tap at the weekend event.
Friday night will bring “BBQ, Bourbon & Beer,” with STARZ Band providing live entertainment at the Island View Casino Stage. There will also be a Chili Cookoff with First Responders and vendors.
Day Two of the event, Saturday, March 14, will feature “Beer, Bacon & Burger” with Almost Skynard and Ghosts of Gamblers performing live on the Island View Casino Stage.
There will also be vendors on site and a silent auction. Again, VIPs will have early entry to the event and special seating, along with special tastings.
Funds raised will benefit Mississippi Heroes, a non-profit that focuses on honoring service, strengthening families and stepping in when help is needed most, whether through financial assistance, community programs or direct aid for local military and their families. All tickets include tastings of food and drinks, People’s Choice Voting, access to silent auction and the live music.
For more information, to sign up to compete or volunteer, or to purchase tickets, visit GCBeerBaconFest.com.
