Image provided by Snook Haven

With Suncoast BBQ Bash being Southwest Florida’s marquee barbecue and bluegrass event attracting tens of thousands of folks every year, Venice plays host to the annual event starting Thursday, April 19th with the ‘Meet Our Champions’ party at Snook Haven Restaurant, featuring Cookin’ with Kids. Snook Haven’s location sits on a remote peninsula along the shores of the “wild and scenic” Myakka River, upstream from the Gulf of Mexico. Most locals know the company as the ‘Pachota family’ or owners of their sister restaurant, Sharky’s on the Pier. Nonetheless, it deems an ideal spot for Floridians to kickoff the barbeque and bluegrass filled weekend!

A schedule of Meet Our Champions festivities includes a Meet & Greet—a welcoming of past champions, sponsors, media sponsors and the volunteer committee. Following, the Kids Burger Cook-Off—teams from five foundations will compete on the grill. Each team will be given mystery ingredients, tee shirts, a Weber Grill and charcoal. The Pitmasters Rub Bagby, Dana Hillis, Myron Mixon, Jim Elser and Tommy Harden will assist them by supplying a recipe and seasoning. Guest judges will determine the winners. A Soon To Be Famous Buffet will then be set out—providing an array of southern style creations to indulge in. Roasting of a Friend ceremony will commence later in the evening announcing the winners of the Kid's Cookin' Contest, followed by a presentation of this year's BBQ champion's special achievement award. Gator Creek—a southern premiere county band will entertain on stage throughout the party with their “down-home” music repertoire. From banjos to boat rides, Snook Haven is sure to be the perfect ‘Ole-Florida’ setting for award-winning bites and toe-tapping music!

Proceeds benefit: The Florida Center, Children First, Special Olympics, Community Haven and Loveland Center. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online below!

Snook Haven is a sister restaurant to Sharky's On The Pier, a member of Nosh, SRQ Magazine's content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Image provided by Snook Haven

Snook Haven - A Delicious Back Woods Smokehouse. 5000 East Venice Ave. Venice, 941-485-7221