MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis in May BBQ Festival apparently witnessed an increase in attendees this year, drawing over 40,000 visitors to Liberty Park. Based on information from Memphis in May, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest attracted approximately 41,000 visitors. According to Memphis in May, there has been an 18% rise in attendance this year when compared to last year, with the event well on track to hit approximately 50,000 participants. SmokeSlam, the grand champions at the Memphis In May Barbecue festival. This year, Memphis in May reports that VIP tickets have been completely sold out despite boosting their capacity by 25%. The Kingswood Tour of Champions experienced a surge in ticket sales with an uptick of 55%, whereas BBQ Alley witnessed an impressive rise of 67% in ticket purchases. Memphis in May stated that one could confidently assert that the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest transcends being merely a barbecue cooking competiti...