Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a curious foodie, you'll want to mark your calendars for the Northern Wisconsin State Faigrounds’ (NWSF) second annual BBQ Fest. Slated for Saturday, May 16, BBQ Fest will kick off its feast-for-the-senses event at 11am over at the NWSF.

NWSF Executive Director, Brian Maki, is thrilled about this year’s lineup and number of smokers and grillers. “With 18 teams competing for bragging rights, awards and a share of $2,400 up for grabs, this is bound to be a sizzling celebration of culinary craftsmanship!”

The competition will be even more heated this year, now officially sanctioned by the country’s largest barbecue organization, the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS).

That means KCBS judges will be scoring chicken and rib entries according to professional KCBS standards. Expect to see carefully-tended smokers, secret spice blends and plenty of pit master pride on display as competitors aim to impress judges and claim top honors.

With 18 teams competing for bragging rights, awards and a share of $2,400 up for grabs, this is bound to be a sizzling celebration of culinary craftsmanship! –Brian Maki, NWSF Executive Director

There’s also a Mike’s Star Market “People’s Choice” category where a limited number of “People’s Choice” ballots will be available for purchase starting at 1pm, allowing ballot purchasers to sample a one-ounce pork loin from each respective team. These limited-number ballots will also provide an opportunity to win a Green Mountain Pellet Grill from Home Oasis of Altoona!

And the competition is just the beginning.

BBQ Festers will get to mosey through the fairgrounds and enjoy slow-smoked smells while local musicians keep the energy going well into the late afternoon.

Plus, several classic festival fundraisers will be going on, including a meat raffle. The winners will walk out with delicious cuts perfect for the next home cookout, courtesy of Lake Hallie’s JNE Meats. The NWSF, too, will be holding a 50/50 raffle to split the pot with one lucky local.

For those who love a little friendly cornhole competition, the Chippewa Valley Cornhole Association is hosting a 30-plus team tournament sure to bring plenty of laughs and camaraderie. Open to players and sideline viewers, it’s a classic addition to the big backyard barbecue.

If it wasn’t already implied, folks should plan to come hungry. In addition to the competition, a lineup of food trucks will dish up delicious grub – from barbecue staples to creative festival fare. Expect smokey brisket, loaded fries, and even something sweet to top it all off.

Beyond the grills and grub, cornhole and live music, local artisans will showcase their handcrafted goods alongside an array of vendor and business displays.

And what’s a summer festival without something cold to sip? BBQ Fest will also serve ice-cold drinks to wash all the barbecue goodness down with. (Please, no beverage or food carry-ins!)

Whether you come for the smoked ribs, live music, shopping, or the chance to win grand prizes – your dream grill, cash prize, or one of three coolers full of meat! – BBQ Fest is the kickoff to summer you won’t want to miss.

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BBQ Fest at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds

Dates: Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16

Address: Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edwards St., Chippewa Falls)

Website: www.nwsfa.com/bbqfest

Email: bmaki@nwsfa.com

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