There are few things more rewarding than eating good barbeque with friends and supporting local veterans. That’s the impetus behind the second-annual Red, White, and Blue charity BBQ that this year will kick off the 100th anniversary Campbell County Fair.
Event organizers Andy Kraycsir and Nick Jacquot had competed in Smoking in the Prairie competitions in the past and thought it would be fun to host a competition locally with all the proceeds remaining in the community. Choosing veterans as the recipient was a no brainer as far as they were concerned.
“I can’t think of a group more deserving,” Kraycsir said.
Also unique to this hometown spinoff is the fact that the people will be choosing the winners from the 24 teams showing off their best biscuit, ribs, and pork bellies. Each team is comprised of four people, some of whom will be traveling from as far as Oklahoma, Texas, and South Carolina for the fun of sharing their favorite recipes.
There are no rules, Jacquot said, other than items must be cooked over a barbecue, whether that be grilled or smoked or both.
“Some are low and slow, and some are high heat and get ‘er done,” he said.
And apart from winning bragging rights for best beef, pork, and side dish, the event is about bringing together the community for great food and a good cause, they say.
Their inaugural BBQ raised $14,000 to benefit the VFW and local vets with medical expenses, wheelchairs or whatever they needed, and they’re hoping this year will raise even more with an excepted crowd of between 300 to 500 people.
The event begins at noon tomorrow, Saturday, July 31 at the Marquee Campground at Cam-Plex. Overnight camping is available for $20 a hookup.
Tickets cost $20 for adults, with children 10 and under free of charge, which includes samples from the 24 competitors as well as other barbeque items provided by Kraycsir and Jacquot, including hot dogs, ribs, and potato salad.
“If you’re not full from the 24 competitors, we’ll take care of you on the other side,” Jacquot joked.
The People’s Choice serving begins at noon until 3:30 p.m. in which they’ll sample and choose their favorite in the three categories of best beef, pork, and side dish, which also has to be cooked over the grill. Awards will be announced at 4 p.m. along with raffle prizes. Winners must be present.
The raffle tickets will be sold at the door for $10 per ticket or three for $25 for a number of prizes from coolers, smokers, and even a handgun that have been donated from local residents and businesses.
There will also be a beer garden and live music from a local band during the event.
All in all, it’s a community event designed to bring neighbors together for good food and music, Kraycsir said.
“It’s about camaraderie and getting a relief from work and having some fun,” Kraycsir smiled, noting that they are excited to be part of the centennial Campbell County Fair.
Residents interested in donating, cooking, or volunteering for the event can contact Kraycsir at (307) 680-1083 or Jacquot at (307) 257- 4474. They are also looking for anyone interested in lending their smokers or grills.
More information can be found here.
