The annual Museums of Cassidy Park Cook-Off and Barbecue drew a big crowd Saturday despite steady rain showers earlier in the day.

Families eager to sample the dishes in contention for prizes in four different categories attended the event and enjoyed the displays and demonstrations presented by the museums and the live music of Big Daddy O.

The rain stopped well before the dinner bell rang, and by then vehicles pretty much filled the spots along both sides of the walking path leading to the festivities. About 600 people ultimately made the rounds with forks in hand.

People sat at picnic tables and positioned their own chairs under the trees while the tasted delicacies ranged from nearly fist-sized fried fish balls to duck gumbo and deer meat. This year there was also a table full of various types of cakes positioned right beside where the Coffee Mill was passing out warm cups of brew to go along with the dessert.

The community gathering was enlivened by individuals comparing notes on what each thought were the best dishes, and children peeking into a full-sized teepee erected near Native American pelt tanning and other demonstration booths.

The food was so well received that organizers had to stop charging admission about an hour early when supplies started to run low.

This year’s winning teams were, by category:

People’s Choice: H.L. Brownstone Pork-A-Pepper Saloon, captain Larralyn Hickman, Bogalusa

Best Decorated: H.L. Brownstone Pork-A-Pepper Saloon, captain Larralyn Hickman, Bogalusa 

Beef

First place: Wing Bones, captain Dr. Thomas Wingo, Hammond

Second place: Butt Rubb BBQ Team, captain Chuck Owens, Columbia, Miss.

Third place: Wild Blu Cooking Crew, captain Shelbie Crain, Bogalusa

Fowl

First place: Wing Bones, captain Dr. Thomas Wingo, Hammond

Second place: H.C.C. 2, captain Landon Tims, Bogalusa

Third place: Wild Blu Cooking Crew, captain Shelbie Crain, Bogalusa

Pork

First place: Butt Rubb BBQ Team, captain Chuck Owens, Columbia

Second place: Progressive Waste, captain Clay Richardson, Franklinton

Third place: The Mayor’s Team, captain Charles Mizell, Bogalusa

Seafood

First place: Allen’s Alley, captain Kelly Dupont, Bogalusa

Second place: Wing Bones, captain Dr. Thomas Wingo, Hammond

No third place

Wild Game

First place: BPD Grill Masters, captain Joe Culpepper, Bogalusa

Second place: Progressive Waste, captain Clay Richardson, Franklinton

Third place: BPD Grill Masters, captain Joe Culpepper, Bogalusa

Everyone who bought a ticket for admittance to the benefit for the Museums of Cassidy Park had an opportunity to win a weekend stay in Grand Isle. It was Hunter Thomas’ stub that was drawn for that prize.