Hannah Caronongan
Contributing Writer
[email protected]

Beautiful Paducah announced on April 12 that after two years of Barbecue off the River, Barbecue on the River is returning to Paducah on Sept. 24 with a new layout, new rules and a new team. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Western Kentucky in 2020, Barbeque on the River was put on hold. Companies and organizations across Paducah were forced to close or stop production of products with concerns for the health and safety of the area.

In order to combat this disappointment, Barbecue off the River was organized by Barbecue on the River co-founders, Susie Coiner and Carol Gault. Instead of the event being in the heart of downtown Paducah, vendors would be spread out across Paducah serving their food. 

This format was designed so that people could still enjoy barbecue and charities could still receive some, if not all, of the donations they were receiving before without risking the health and safety of the public.

As positive cases of COVID-19 began to decline in Paducah, organizers announced that Barbecue on the River can return with not only a new location, but new management as well.

Beautiful Paducah co-founders and organizers Whitney Ravellette Wallace and Tyler Wallace are confident in their ability to maintain the spirit of the cherished tradition, according to the Beautiful Paducah website. 

“Change is upon us, and we choose growth,” Wallace wrote in a statement on the website, beautifulpaducah.org.

Although Barbecue on the River is making a comeback, Beautiful Paducah is still offering Barbecue off the River for those that are still cautious about COVID-19 restrictions.

“BBQ off the River locations will be available at Noble Park and are for vendors who wish to remain removed from crowds and high volume traffic, or would prefer to do business in an ‘alcohol free’ area,” Wallace wrote.

With the offer of Barbecue off the River still on the table, organizers are making it as easy as possible for those to travel back and forth between the events if they wish.

“We will be offering free public transportation from BBQ on the River to BBQ off the River and vice versa all day and evening on Saturday for those who would like to experience both,” Wallace wrote.

Coiner and Wallace announced the switch in a video on social media.

“Whitney is one of my heroes,” Coiner said. “I think that she’s one of the bravest women that you’re going to meet, because, lucky for you all, Barbecue on the River is coming back.”

Coiner seems assured that Beautiful Paducah will be able to keep the tradition alive and well.

“She has an amazing team,” Coiner said. “So, the 28th Barbeque on the River will be on and off the river. We are passing the sweatshirts, t-shirts, the torch to Whitney.”

With the event finally taking place with some familiar and unfamiliar aspects, Wallace said that she and her team are looking forward to launching the event.

“We’re really, really excited for what we have in store for you for this year and for future years,” Wallace said.

While Wallace conveys excitement for Barbecue on the River, she also shows gratitude toward Coiner and the rest of the city for trusting Beautiful Paducah to take over.

“Thank you, guys, for letting us do this and big thank you to Susie Coiner for allowing us to do this as well,” Wallace said.

Coiner remains positive in her video and asks that the public trusts Beautiful Paducah as much as she does.

“We need kindness, and we need you all to be gentle and supportive,” Coiner said. “It’s a lot to handle. The landscape is going to change. It is what it is. They are going to make it so sensational for you.”

Adults over the age of 21 will now be able to take their alcoholic beverages with them as they explore Barbecue on the River this year.

“In addition to BBQ On the River’s new location, in 2021 downtown Paducah was selected as an Entertainment Destination Center—allowing people to take to-go alcoholic drinks in designated cups within the EDC [Entertainment Destination Center] boundaries,” Wallace wrote. “Adults who are 21 years of age and older will be able to enjoy a beer, cocktail, or glass of wine anywhere within the festival bounds.”

Barbecue on the River will take place downtown Paducah, Kentucky, on Thursday, Sept. 22, through Saturday, Sept. 24, with the theme “Smoke on the Water.” Vendors will be open for business from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.