Bears & BBQ fundraiser this weekend
The second annual Bears & BBQ will take place this weekend in Cape Coral for the first time.
The event will run Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. behind the Dixie Roadhouse. It will feature a barbecue, wing and chili competition, along with live entertainment, a car show and truck show, and over 100 vendors. Proceeds from the event will benefit Caleb’s Crusade.
“I’ve always wanted to do a barbecue cookout,” David Townsend, co-owner of the Dixie, said.
He added that Caleb’s Crusade is not as well funded as other organizations.
“It’s not one of the big charities,” Townsend said. “And it’s something that we believe in.”
Caleb’s Crusade advocates against childhood cancer, raises awareness of the disease and directly aids Southwest Florida families with the financial challenges that come with it, according to its website.
On Saturday, the barbecue competition will be held, as well as a chili competition. The barbecue competition will feature a range of options for judging, from pulled pork and ribs, to chicken.
“Any kind of barbecue,” he said.
The wing competition and another chili competition will be held on Sunday. Once again, the entrants will be judged in several divisions, including the hottest, most creative and sweetest wing sauces.
“There’s different categories,” Townsend said.
The winners in the cooking competitions will take home trophies – and bragging rights.
Attendees get to vote on their favorite picks for the People’s Choice.
Admission to the event is $5 per person and comes with five, food sample tickets.
Live entertainment will be provided throughout the weekend.
“There’s different bands on each day,” he said.
On Saturday, the band Not Guilty will perform, followed by the group Lazy Bonez. Townsend explained that Lazy Bonez is a Miami-based band that plays 1980s rock.
“They always do really well when they play in this area,” he said.
Sunday’s lineup will feature five acts.
“It’s more of a country theme with the bands,” Townsend said.
The groups High Five Friday and Whiskey Throttle will take the stage, along with the bands Ellie Lee Blues Fury and Strong Side Draw. Also scheduled to perform on Sunday is Maiden Cane.
An estimated 150 vendors will be on site, with at least half specializing in food.
“Some of those are clothing and jewelry,” he said.
A car show will be held on Saturday, followed by a truck show on Sunday. Both are cruise-ins.
Some children’s activities will be available on site.
After Saturday’s activities, an after-party will take place inside the Dixie Roadhouse. There will be discounted drinks from 10 to 11 p.m., line dance lessons and dance music until 2 a.m.
“It’s going to be great fun, great food and all for a great cause,” Townsend said of the weekend.
For more information, visit online at: www.facebook.com/dixieroadhouse.
The Dixie Roadhouse is at 1023 S.E. 47th Terrace.