Clarion Barbeque Festival set for May 18-20

From staff reports

This year’s Clarion Barbeque Festival is bigger and better than ever with wood carving exhibitions and auctions, a military appreciation day and a motorcycle show.

Mike Fennell of Tionesta was cooking in the "backyard" category at the 2017 Clarion Barbeque Festival. This year's festival offers even more entertainment and dining opportunities. (Submitted photo)

Mike Fennell, of Tionesta, was cooking in the “backyard” category at the 2017 Clarion Barbeque Festival. This year’s festival offers even more entertainment and dining opportunities. (Submitted photo)

The wood carving exhibitions actually begin May 17 at the Clarion Mall and continue each day of the event.

Gates open at 11 a.m. May 18-20 in the mall parking lot.

Each day features live entertainment, vendors, games and prizes for the kids and of course — barbeque food.

May 19 is military appreciation day. There will American Armed Forces displays and American flag pins for military veterans. Again, the day will feature live entertainment, vendors, games and prizes for the kids and of course — barbeque food.

May 20 includes the barbeque contest will judging at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. with winners announced at 5 p.m. May 20 also includes the motorcycle show.

Admission donation is $5 for visitors between the ages of 12 and 64 and includes a chance to win a grill and other prizes. Kids under age 12 and kids at heart over age 64 are admitted free.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Clarion Hospital Cancer Center and the Clarion University Tippin Scholarship Fund.

This is the third year for the festival. The 2016 event drew 1,000 visitors to Clarion and raised $5,000 for the two beneficiaries.