Blues & BBQ

Calling all BBQ fans. Fire up your smokers and grills, it’s BBQ season and the competition is going to be fierce! Think you know BBQ? Prove it by entering the first annual BBQ competition held in the Downtown Hays Chestnut Street District.

Instead of serving BBQ food like has been done in the past, the coordinators for the event have chosen to host a BBQ contest instead. With this being the first year for the contest, it will not be a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event, however, all rules and guidelines set by the KCBS will be followed. See www.kcbs.us for details. The BBQ contest will consist of two divisions. The Open Division includes the categories of chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs, and the People’s Choice Division, which will feature brisket only. A public taste testing featuring the brisket will take place on Saturday. Contestants may enter one or both categories so get your BBQ team together and get entered. Contest will be limited to 20 teams. Entry forms can be picked up at the Hays Welcome Center, 2700 Vine Street. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners. “We feel the BBQ contest will be a great addition to this year’s Blues and BBQ event and will help make this year’s event an even greater success,” explained Sabrina William, Downtown Development Coordinator and Blues and BBQ committee member.

Thanks to the following businesses and organizations for your pledged support for this event: Cerv's/Main Street Express, Gella's Diner/Lb. Brewing Co., Coffee Rules, Hays Daily News, Midnight Productions, Midwest Music, Midwest Energy, Goodwin Sporting Goods, City of Hays, ASC Portables, Around the World, Downtown Hays Development Corporation, Henry Schwaller & Associates Inc., Fort Hays Auto Sales, Ranch Raised Beef, Humane Society of the High Plains, Liberty Group, Crawford Supply and others.

Other activities taking place that weekend include the live band Shawn Cole on Friday, July 18 and the live band Jimmy Lowan and The Kington on Saturday, July 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Midnight Productions DJ Service will be on hand to play blues music and make announcements during the fourth annual sidewalk sale on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as several downtown merchants move their merchandise to the street. Shoppers can also catch a trolley ride from the mall as they will be partnering with us again this year. So whether you’re a big fan of BBQ or bargain hunting, mark your calendars now because this year’s Blues and BBQ event is sure to have something for everyone. Many details are still being planned with more information soon to come!