Nearly 2,000 people spent the afternoon enjoying the weather, live music and of, course, awarding-winning barbecue at the Festival of Live Oaks Saturday at New Iberia City Park.

New Iberia Parks and Recreation Director Tony Migues said the goal of the annual event is to create a family-friendly environment where people can enjoy the park and its festivities, all while supporting the community.

“It’s very heartwarming to see that many people come out. We need New Iberia to support New Iberia,” Migues said. “We had kids and families out here having a great time, and that’s exactly what we wanted.”

Nekko Cuccia, 5, said she enjoyed riding horses at the petting zoo at the festival. She had fun petting the animals, too, she said, but she especially liked being with her grandparents, Russell and Vicki Sandridge.

Vicki Sandridge said they have gone to the festival the past two years because Nekko loves it. It is important for the kids to have somewhere to go to enjoy the city, Russell Sandridge said.

“The community bands together, the camaraderie is good and the barbecue is good,” he said, while taking a bite from a plate lunch. “What’s not to like?”

Six teams from throughout the Teche Area competed in the barbecue cook-off this year. The cook-off consisted of several categories, both within amateur and professional divisions, including brisket, chicken, ribs and roadkill.

Christopher Anthony, head cook for CJ’s BBQ & Stuff, said he and the team traveled from Loreauville to compete in the ribs, chicken, roadkill and barbecue sauce categories. He said he is competitive, but it’s all in good fun.

“It’s a real positive environment. I enjoy coming here every year, so I hope it continues to get bigger,” Anthony said.

Penn Tompkins, director of food nutrition and house keeping at Iberia Medical Center, had the same sentiment.

Tompkins said his team of more than a dozen people continue to volunteer at the cook-off each year because it benefits the New Iberia Jaycees and the New Iberia Parks and Recreation Department.

“New Iberia needs New Iberia people to help, and without local support then where would we be? If we like our park and we like the fact that we have a place for kids to go, we need to get involved,” Tompkins said. “It’s something to do to get involved.”