Oaklawn Park is using its 2nd annual "Smokelawn BBQ Championship" event in the Infield May 3 to help raise money for tornado relief efforts and will donate all proceeds from the "People's Choice Award" to the cause.
In addition, Coco Beverage, a sponsor of Smokelawn, is matching all donations up to $1,000.
Smokelawn is a free event, but guests can sample the BBQ for $5 and vote for the People's Choice Award. This year, people can pay the $5 (or more if they desire) and this money will be given to local charities directly helping Arkansas residents affected by the tornado that caused mass destruction in parts of the state April 27.
"When Oaklawn approached us about this idea, we were thrilled to help," said Marty Coco of Coco Beverage. "The victims of this awful disaster have been on our minds all week and we are glad Smokelawn will offer us and the community a way to help them."
Almost 50 teams from nine states have signed up to participate in the Smokelawn competition that is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Guests are invited to come enjoy the BBQ as well as live music from popular local artists, a beer garden offering craft beers, an antique motorcycle show, and a kids' zone featuring inflatable rides and a petting zoo.
Fans will also be able to enjoy all the racing action from Churchill Downs, highlighted by the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), on the big screen monitor in the infield.
Gates for the Infield open at 10 a.m. CDT.