Red River Margarita Pour Off mixes things up in Red River District

The second annual Red River Margarita Pour Off competition between the area’s top restaurants and bars will bring the best bartenders together to compete for $1,000, a WWE belt and the prestigious title of Best Margarita in Shreveport-Bossier Labor Day weekend.

The brainchild of Kevin Jones and Nico Ponce, the Red River Margarita Pour Off will take place from 3-7 p.m. Sept. 4, in the Red River District. The margarita competition will be from 3-6 p.m. The winner will be announced at 6:30.

The competition, sponsored by Sauza Blue Tequila, moved to a larger venue this year.

“We wanted to be near the Red River, and the Red River District is the perfect place as one of Shreveport’s wonderful outdoor event venues in the downtown area,” Ponce said.

Kevin Jones said, “The bartenders here are under-rated and deserve to be noticed by the masses. These are some creative folks that come up with some unique recipes and ingredients.”

Country Tavern will be defending their 2015 title against other competitors such as Tamolly’s, Fully Stacked, Margaritaville, Chimi V’s, Tejas, What’s On Tap, Twisted Root Burger, Roma Italian Bistro, Blue Southern Comfort Food, Boomtown, Superior Grill, Zocolo and Chilis.

The nonprofit group that produces the event, GoSBC, has a mission of re-investing the proceeds from the event back into the community to further develop an urban city lifestyle. A part of the proceeds from this year’s event will be presented to Gingerbread House, an organization that serves child victims of abuse.

Attendees can sample each ’rita and vote via text message. Dallas DJ Willie Boom will spin top 40s music. A salsa dancing contest begins at 7 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are $25 online at www.redriverpouroff.com; cash only at the door, $30. Attendees must be 21 and over to sample margaritas. Food, water, beer and other retail items will be sold separately. If interested in becoming a vendor or for information, visit www.redriverpouroff.com.