Squeal on the Eel returns for a super-sized edition Saturday
Jun. 14—Squeal on the Eel returns for a second year at Riverside Park on Saturday with a slate of events and features even larger than the inaugural edition in 2022.
The festival combines a judged BBQ competition, family activities, food and art vendors and live music and runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The festival is presented by Tyson Foods and 100 percent of the profits will benefit four local charities: Cass County Special Olympics, AMVETS, Immigrant Connection (The Bridge) and Cass County Food & Backpack Programs.
Activities and features include a car show, Kansas City BBQ Society backyard competition, kiddie area with facepainting, beer and wine garden, food trucks, local vendors and producers, and event merchandise. TheCass County Dentzel Carousel will also be open.
Artists scheduled to perform include The Hype, Chase Matthew and Black Stone Cherry. The Hype will start its set at 4 p.m., followed by Matthew at 7 p.m. and Black Stone Cherry will close at 9 p.m.
According to Tyson community liaison Stephanie Helton, there will be approximately 16 food vendors and 45 arts and crafts vendors, which is more than last year.
The car show will be outside the perimeter fencing this year and a paid ticket is not required to attend.
Ticket information
General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate the day of the festival. A BBQ Tasters' ticket an be purchased for $35 and lets the ticketholder sample each of the dishes prepared in the Kansas City BBQ Society's judged competition. The ticket price also includes access to the full Squeal on the Eel schedule of events.
Tickets can be purchased at www.squealontheeel.org/.
Kansas City Barbecue Society
The Kansas City Barbecue Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque. It is the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 20,000 members worldwide. KCBS sanctions over 500 barbeque contests worldwide. From volunteering to actual event production, members also offer assistance to civic and charitable organizations who organize events.
Parking
There will be no shuttle service available this year. Parking will be anywhere on the side roads where spots are available.
How to participate
To participate in the car show or BBQ competition, or if interested in being a vendor, go to www.squealontheeel.org/.
