AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (July 26, 2011) – The Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau (AICVB) has announced the lick-smacking lineup for the Second Annual Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, August 26-27, 2011. Visitors and residents will enjoy free entertainment and barbeque from some of the top competitors in the country during the family-friendly cook-off event.
The Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off will be held at Main Beach on Amelia Island starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 26, and 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 27. The cook-off will feature more than 50 professional and backyard (amateur) teams. Several of the professional teams are traveling to Amelia Island from across the country, as far away as Arizona. Each team will prepare a variety of barbeque entrees, including chicken, ribs, pork, brisket and more, as they compete for more than $20,000 in prize money and trophies. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase food and drink from various vendors throughout the day. The Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Spectators can clap their sticky hands to free live musical entertainment throughout the two-day event. On August 26, entertainment includes a performance by the New Orleans-styled Bush Doctors and more. On August 27, live entertainment includes performances by the three-piece string band Hoffman’s Voodoo, acoustic instrument-based group The Impediments and high energy, blues-rock band Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall, known for their Top 10 hit Keep On Smilin’.
New in 2011, the cook-off will feature an arts and crafts area, remote control car demonstrations by Amelia Island RC, and a beach volleyball tournament. For more information about the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off, to register to participate as a backyard team or for schedule details, visit www.gstailgatecookoff.com.
Sponsors for the Great Southern Tailgate Cook-off include Florida Public Utilities (Spotlight), Amelia Island Remote Control (Platinum; Official Stage Sponsor), Residence Inn Amelia Island (Platinum; Official Host Hotel), City of Fernandina Beach (Gold), Fernandina Beach News-Leader (Gold; Official Local Media Sponsor), Dana’s Limousine Service (Gold; Official Transportation Provider), and Tailgator Monthly Magazine (Gold), among several others.
-Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau-
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Consistently ranked in the top 10 North American Islands by the readers on Conde Nast Traveler, Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; Come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
