It’s hard to go wrong with good food, great beer, and live music. The folks at Downtown PKB have perfected this recipe over the past few years with their signature Downtown Throwdown event, featuring a barbeque cookout and brewfest in the heart of Downtown Parkersburg. The organization once again teamed up with the Parkersburg Area Junior Chamber (Jaycees) with help from Generation MOV to host this favorite fall event.

Usually held in conjunction with the Parkersburg Paddlefest, this year the Downtown Throwdown stood alone after Paddlefest and Riverfest were both cancelled due to high river levels and impending weather predictions. Despite the late minute change of plans, attendees flocked to Government Square on Saturday evening to sample local barbecue and craft beer. With live music by local groups Back Porch Alibi and Hit Parade filling the square, the atmosphere was hard to beat.

“The Jaycees have been honored to partner with this event the past 5 years of its existence. We are proud of our Downtown and this event is a great opportunity to showcase and celebrate the local talent that we have right here in our community,” said Megan Hardway, Membership & Events Specialist for the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley and a member of the Parkersburg Area Jaycees. “The rewarding part about the success of this event is that the proceeds raised go right back into our community projects that fit our mission of creating positive change to the area. We look forward to continuing this signature Fall event in Downtown Parkersburg.”

This year’s event featured nine local food vendors, including Q-Wagon, Grand Point Conference Center, Convicted Pigs, Shorty’s Pizzeria, North End Tavern and Brewery, Belairs Bistro, the Parkersburg Country Club, the PAR on Emerson, and Hot Dog Willys. The beer lineup was significantly longer, featuring a number of local and regional breweries, like the Parkersburg Brewing Company and Mountain State Brewing. At the end of the evening, attendees were asked to cast their vote for their favorite BBQ. This year’s crowd crowned Convicted Pigs the winner, a tough choice to make considering all of the delicious dishes put forward by local contenders.

A barbecue jumbo meatball from Shorty’s Pizzeria

“I thought the event was pretty awesome and had a great turn out this year,” said Jessica Lee, Marketing Coordinator at Pickering Associates and a new member the Jaycees. This year was Jessica’s first year attending and volunteering at the Throwdown. “From what they tell me, every year it has gotten bigger and bigger and more vendors want in. It’s pretty awesome to see something grow and develop,” she said. “I would like to say thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered to work it, it makes all the difference in an event like this!”

A barbecue chicken quesadilla with jalapeño jelly from Belairs Bistro

A barbecue chicken sandwich from Q-Wagon and Carmel Apple Cider

Months of planning go into pulling off a successful event, Downtown PKB and the Parkersburg Area Jaycees should be applauded for their efforts. As one attendee put it, “This is my favorite downtown event, hands-down. Great food, great beer, and tons of fun!” Downtown PKB’s next big event is ArtOberfest on October 20th, featuring fine art vendors, live local music, fine food and festival beer. Follow Downtown PKB for updates and upcoming events in Parkersburg!

Back Porch Alibi finishes up their set as the sun sets
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