Tallahassee Regional (TLH) is inviting several communities to the airport for a day of fun.
The first Airport Funfest & BBQ Challenge, which will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 1, will feature a newly sanctioned Florida BBQ Competition, kids’ activities, live music, aircraft rides and displays, car displays, food concessions, and arts and crafts. The day is free and open to the public, and proceeds benefit the United Way of the Big Bend.
“The event is a part of the city’s annual United Way fundraiser, with the mission of inspiring local citizens in caring for one another and building a more vibrant and connected community,” says Sunil Harman, director of aviation.
The barbecue competition is a joint effort between the airport and the Florida Bar-B-Que Association, a registered non-profit organization. The competition is expected to bring together barbecue enthusiasts from throughout Florida, Georgia and Alabama, and FBA-certified judges will judge four categories: chicken, brisket, ribs and pork.
Along with the FBA officials, city leaders will pick the recipient of the City Officials Choice Award, just for fun. Each city official will present one ribbon each to his or her favorite BBQ Rib cook team. The People’s Choice Award, another just-for-fun honor, will be judged by event attendees for a $2 donation to the United Way of Big Bend.
TLH officials say they hope to make the Airport Funfest & BBQ Challenge an annual event to benefit the United Way. They also aim to use the day to educate local and regional communities about the airports and its initiatives to improve customer service.
Event sponsors include Flightline Group; ADT Security; Continental Gulfstream; Republic Parking Systems; Avis Budget Group; LPA Group, a Unit of Michael Baker Corp.; Million Air’ Ricondo and Associates; Rowland Publishing; Reynolds; Smith and Hills” RS&H; AGBL Tallahassee East Owner’ Costco: Enterprise Leasing Co.; Florida A&M University: Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.: Parks & Crump; Planning Technology; The Paradies Shops; Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 445; Pepsi; SSP America and Stress Busters Zone.
