Cushing was “hopping” on Saturday – from adorable puppies to red-hot barbecue and blues – there was plenty to choose from to do and enjoy.
Friday kicked off the annual BBQ n Blues event – with representatives and employees of various oil-related companies coming to town to play a little golf and share a little food prior to the festival itself on Saturday. The aroma of smoking meat and the sounds of music and laughter, filled the air Friday evening as companies prepared to compete in the next day’s cook-off.
Toni Vieyra, chairperson for this year’s BBQ n Blues, faced a few additional challenges this year due to the sudden illness of Chamber Director Brent Thompson. “I want to give a shout out to everyone who stepped up and helped us out,” Vieyra said. “I don’t want to mention names, for the fear of leaving someone out.”
Nearly every one of the 11 snorkels of the ‘world’s most unique smoker’ was filled this year, making the decision even more difficult for the judges and the people’s choice award. This year’s People’s Choice award went to Plains, while the Judges’ award went to Magellan. According to Vieyra, additional taster kits had to be made up after 350 of the kits were sold within the first hour and a half. “Way to go Cushing!” Vieyra said.
Not only did festival goers enjoy some great barbecue, but were treated to the sound of the internationally-known bluesman, Little Joe McClerran. McClerran is said to be a young musician “whose music easily carries the spirit of the blues.”
“Little Joe was great!” Vieyra said. “I think everyone enjoyed him. Thank you Cushing for helping us put another successful BBQ & Blues Festival in the books!”
In another part of town (corner of Main and Little) there was more celebrating going on as Cimarron Valley Humane Society held an adoption and membership drive. Spokesperson Stephanie Wesson reported 7 pets were adopted out and Rebecca Stowers said they had several families sign up for their next low cost spay/neutering clinic. Both announcements were considered something to celebrate!
Elsewhere in town, shoppers searched for “treasure” as garage sales abounded.
Later, in downtown Cushing, musicians Rick Reiley and Gene Collier put smiles on the faces of patrons of the local watering hole (aka The Buckhorn), as they picked and grinned.
June 4th – what a great way to kick off summer!
Click here for photos by Donna Judd: https://www.1600kush.com/AroundTown1.html
*To visit Little Joe’s website click here: www.littlejoeblues.com
***
