Columbia will soon host a weekend filled with rich flavors, soulful music, and an engaging cultural experience as the Buds, Blues & BBQ Festival rolls into town on September 13-14, 2024, at the Midway Travel Plaza. The event, brainchild of John Borland, promises to be more than just another festival, aiming to rekindle the community’s love for barbecue, a sentiment deeply rooted in Borland’s own childhood memories.
“I grew up attending BBQ festivals in Kansas City and wanted to bring the memories I had as a kid back to Columbia,” said Borland, reflecting on the inspiration behind the festival. His vision is not just about recreating the past but also filling a cultural void left by the beloved Roots and Blues festival, which once captivated the hearts of Columbia’s residents. “Roots and Blues was amazing; everyone loved it. We plan to bring back the BBQ—it was a big part of Roots and Blues, and when they stopped the BBQ part, everyone really missed that.”
Borland’s mission for the Buds, Blues & BBQ Festival is clear: to offer an experience that seamlessly blends barbecue, blues music, and cannabis culture in a way that educates, entertains, and engages the community. “We wanted this event to be BBQ-focused with music and cannabis as other forms of education and experience,” Borland explained. The event aims to introduce new brands and showcase top-tier food to barbecue enthusiasts, while the music and vendor areas keep attendees engaged throughout the weekend.
As the festival grows, it also aims to normalize cannabis and its consumption by integrating it into the event in a manner similar to how alcohol is accepted and integrated into nearly every festival or event. Attendees who are 21 and up will be provided with wristbands, which will be required both for purchasing alcohol and for entering the designated cannabis consumption area. By taking careful measures to ensure compliance with both laws and regulations, the festival demonstrates that working with licensed cannabis operators and incorporating cannabis into public events is becoming increasingly accessible for those who are diligent in their planning. This approach not only highlights the evolving landscape of cannabis in Missouri but also sets a precedent for how cannabis can be responsibly included in mainstream cultural activities.
The festival’s foundation was laid with a focus on authenticity and scale. “Sanctioning the BBQ was crucial—we wanted to bring big BBQ competitions to Columbia,” Borland noted. The festival is officially sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), positioning it as a qualifying event for prestigious competitions like the World Food Championships, the American Royal, and the Jack Daniel’s Cookoff.
Selecting the right venue was another critical step in bringing the festival to life. “The Midway Travel Plaza is close to town and big enough to hold thousands of people with adequate parking as well,” Borland said, highlighting the practical considerations that went into the festival’s planning.
As for balancing the event’s family-friendly atmosphere with the inclusion of cannabis and alcohol, Borland assured that careful thought has been given to this aspect. “We will have a designated consumption lounge that will be far away from other general population areas,” he stated, ensuring that all attendees, regardless of age, can enjoy the event in a comfortable environment.
The music lineup was curated with a mix of local favorites and top acts from the blues scene. “The Cobras are from Iowa and a top 50 2024 Blues Band. We brought The Flood Brothers in because they’re a great local band everyone loves to see,” Borland shared, giving insight into the thought process behind the festival’s entertainment offerings.
Looking to the future, Borland envisions the Buds, Blues & BBQ Festival growing in size and scope, with more businesses involved and additional food contests introduced. “Midway is a great location; we hope to expand over the next years and include more interesting food contests,” he said, expressing his long-term goals for the festival.
Community involvement is a key pillar of the event’s success. “We are working with the local Chamber, and we’re also on local radio and many other avenues,” Borland explained, underscoring the importance of local engagement in making the festival a lasting part of Columbia’s cultural scene.
Tickets for the festival are priced at $30 for a day pass and $50 for the weekend, offering affordable options for attendees. “KCBS, SCA, and the Rib Cookoff are all sanctioned BBQ competitions,” Borland noted, inviting both seasoned competitors and amateur enthusiasts to join in the contests. For those looking to participate as judges in the People’s Choice Rib Burn, Borland encouraged becoming a certified judge through the KCBS, SCA, or Rib Cookoff Association websites.
Families can expect a variety of events throughout the festival grounds, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. “It’s truly like a fair with lots of good BBQ,” Borland said, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of the event.
As the festival date approaches, Borland had one final piece of advice: “Get registered early—don’t wait! Tickets are on sale now.”
For more information, to register as a vendor, or to purchase tickets, visit budsbluesandbbq.com. Follow @budsbluesandbbq on social media for event updates and highlights.
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