Barbecue Festival
Going Home : Episode GHM-111 -- More Projects » Marie Bouvier is returning to her hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky, for the annual International Barbecue Festival. This will be a special visit for her, as she hasn't been able to return home for this event in three years. Bouvier is making the trip with her boyfriend. She said she can't wait to get back to her roots, catch up with her mother, sleep in her childhood home, and taste the barbecue that can only be found in Owensboro.
The festival is a contest in which local churches, organizations and town members compete. Bouvier describes it as the "heart of the town." She and her mother have secured spots on "The Blessed Mother" barbecue team and will be responsible for helping to prepare a barbecue meat stew called burgoo.
Once in Owensboro, Bouvier, her boyfriend and her mother go to the local church to help clean and season the meat for the competition. The group then begins the grilling process, which lasts throughout the night, with one person standing guard over the hot coals.
The following morning is the moment of truth for Bouvier and the rest of the barbecuers, as judges sample each group's version of burgoo, barbecued meats such as mutton, and the vinegar-based sauce that is unique to Owensboro.
In addition to the judges, virtually the entire population of the town turns out for the event, providing Bouvier a chance to touch base with friends she hasn't seen in years.
Bouvier's dreams come true when the judges award "The Blessed Mother" team the prize for best burgoo recipe.
The following day, Bouvier meets up with her elementary school friends Patty and Debbie for brunch at her childhood home. The trio then does a bit of shopping at the Consumer's Market, an indoor flea market that sells that special sorghum (molasses) that can only be found in Owensboro.
