Rib Tip Express to Host BBQ Cookout at Columbia Park

Robert Hutson, owner of Rib Tip Express restaurant in Shreveport, has been planning his May 31, 2014 cookout at Shreveport’s Columbia Park for at least six months. When I interviewed Hutson for this blog post about Rib Tip Express, back in January, he was already talking up the event, which will include live music, games for kids, a variety of food vendors and more. For barbecue fans, this is a great opportunity to sample Mr. Hutson’s fantastic, Chicago-style rib tips. There will also be free hot dogs for kids, while supplies last. “I’ve got over 400 hot dogs, and I’m ready to go,” Hutson told me over the phone recently. The free event will be held, 12-6 p.m., at Columbia Park in Shreveport.   

“It’s about bringing the families in the neighborhood together,” Hutson said. “I remember going to these events – big, family-friendly cookouts in area parks – as a child growing up in Chicago.”

Live entertainers slated to perform at Saturday’s event include Profile, Total Choice, Legato Stone, Shawanna Kirkendoll, Reneesance, Slack featuring Shilo, and Stephanie Sallie. Among the games and entertainment available, Hutson enthusiastically lists croquet (if it’s true that I can eat ribs and play croquet at this event, I’m clearing my schedule) as well as horseshoes and water slides.

Hutson sees this inaugural event as a warm-up for bigger events in years to come, citing events like Mudbug Madness and the Highland Jazz and Blues Festival as inspiration. “In two or three years, I want to have big name, touring entertainers,” Hutson said.

While the event is still obviously in the early stages of its growth, I plan on stopping by and having a plate of rib tips to show support…and possibly play a few rounds of croquet.