LYNCHBURG — Yes, the majority of events and activities happen on Saturday here in Lynchburg, but it’s a little known fact that the event actually kicks off on Friday. If you can’t make it to down to Wiseman Park on Saturday, or if you are in town all weekend, and looking to get things started early, here are three Friday events happening at this year’s Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.

1 | I Know Jack About Grilling Contest – Take a small town barbecue festival and combine it with an episode of a reality series cooking competition like Chopped and you’d get the I Know Jack About Grilling Contest. Each team gets a mystery box of ingredients and must use all of them to prepare a full course meal. It’s a timed competition and a blast to watch. It kicks off a 10 a.m. at the Jack Daniel’s Tent in Wiseman Park. Judging will happen at 11 a.m.

2 | The Parade of Teams – Yes, the majority of public activities surrounding The Jack happen on Saturday but there’s one Friday event that always stands out to us, the Parade of Teams around the historic Lynchburg Square. It’s giving Mardi Gras parade vibes as numerous teams throw out flags and favors. It’s always the unofficial kick off to Barbecue weekend. It will start at 4:45 p.m. Teams begin from Wiseman Park and parade through the Lynchburg Square on their way to Barbecue Hill.

3 | Food Truck Friday – Over 20 of the areas best food trucks will attend the Jack Daniel’s Barbecue this weekend serving a wide variety of southern cuisine from roasted corn to bologna sandwiches and, of course, barbecue. Many of them have agreed to start serving around 3 p.m. on Friday. Whether you plan to wait around for the parade or are headed to the Raiders homecoming game against Collinwood. The new Food Truck Friday should be a hit. Here’s a list of the food trucks that say they plan to attend this years event:

JitterBean Java LLC

Bouchard’s Grill

Mike & Betsy’s BBQ

Waffledogs

Giambatistta’s Pizzeria

The Rolling Recipe LLC

Ear It Is Roasted Corn and Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Dirty South Dishes

Yippie Trippie & The Porkstars

Buns on the Run

Wangs and Taters

Carbqnash

The Snowy Churro Tennessee

Full of Bologna

GoGo Hoagies N’more

Texas Twister Drink of Tennessee

Southern Classic Kitchens

Wild Bill’s Soda

DonutNV Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Cafe Boba

Franklin’s Fruit Tea

Get Loaded

Music City Brisket

Purdom’s BBQ

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