The Ozarks Down Syndrome Awareness BBQ Cook-Off kicks off this Saturday from 10 to 7 at Big Spring Park in Cotter. The event promises a full day of fun with live music, vendors, games, prizes, and more, in addition to bringing awareness to Down Syndrome and raising money for charities supporting families who have members with Down Syndrome.
Casey Morrow, one of the event coordinators, says there is still a stigma against people with Down Syndrome.
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The BBQ Cook-Off will see competitors face off and allow guests to try samples that will primarily feature pulled pork and may include other items such as smoked baloney, smoked mac ‘n cheese, or baked beans. Guests can vote for their favorite cooking for $1 per vote. All money raised by votes will go to the selected charities.
Events and games for children will be available, such as a duck scramble with prizes for different age groups and a sensory tent with stations set up for people with different sensory issues to participate in.
Live music will be performed all day, with artists such as Jim Massey, Jake Cantrell Music and Kingdom Falls.
The Cruisers of Mountain Home will host a car show where participants can vote for their favorite car. Each vote costs $1. All proceeds from the votes will benefit the selected charities.
The day will end with a Glow Walk at 7. The walk will begin with the lighting of the Historic Ruthvan Bridge (The Rainbow Bridge) in Yellow and Blue, the colors for Down Syndrome. Participants can help light the path by purchasing luminary bags and glow sticks, which can be decorated and placed on the sidewalk.
All donations and proceeds will benefit Brittany’s Basket of Hope, Zoe’s Toolbox and Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks in Springfield. These organizations offer free information and support and advocate inclusion for families who have loved ones born with Down Syndrome.
The event is still accepting applications for competitors in the cook-off. Interested participants can email ozarksdownsyndromeawareness@gmail.com for the application.
The event is free. Big Spring Park is located at Big Spring Parkway in Cotter.
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