Discover Downstate Illinois has launched a search to find the Best BBQ Joint in its 21 county region that stretches across parts of South Central Illinois.
There are a number of local BBQ places in the competition including Smoked to the Bone in Iuka, Big Daddy’s in Centralia, Yellow Rose in Wayne City, Curly Tail in Flora and White House in Du Bois.
The Facebook contest is set up the same way as past competitions to select the best burger, ice cream, and coffee shop in the region.
The Communications Manager for Discover Downstate Illinois Jordan Jackovich says the contests have been popular.
“We are doing this as a way to gain knowledge of these small places. It helps us and visitors to find a place to go. People are always looking for great food and great things to do in their area and so we started it as a way for us to gain knowledge on what’s open in our 21 county region. And to be able to tell travelers where to try.”
Jackovich says the 24 selected for the competition are already winners.
“They were selected through nominations. We do not select anybody, they are write in submissions on Facebook. We ask the public who they would like to see in the competition and it’s completely up to them.”
Jackovich explains how the contest works.
“The contest works by us posting the two people competing and then we keep that voting open for 24 hours. Go to our Facebook Page, Discover Downstate Illinois, and they like the post of whoever they want to advance to the next round. All you have to do is like the photo, you don’t have to share or do anything else. We do say sharing helps your favorite place win, but all you have to do is like that post.”
The competition began this week and will continue until the Best BBQ Joint is determined in the final round between the top two finishers.
Discover Downstate Illinois promotes tourism from the Mississippi River across from St. Louis to the Indiana border near Vincennes, Indiana.
