Wine, Brew and BBQ moving forward

By: 
Gray Hughes

Hill City’s annual Wine, Brew and BBQ is happening on Aug. 21 and 22.

But, to ensure safety for all, the event might look a little different this year.

“People will need to socially distance as much as they can,” said Emily Wheeler, who helps put on the event. “The KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) has a lot of rules as far as the judging area. Teams, too, will need to wear masks and gloves, and they will constantly wipe down their working areas.”

There will be other safety measures in place, too. Rather than being given a reusable cup for the wine and brew portion of the festival, participants will be given a wrist band and will be using reusable cups.

Other than the safety measures, much of the event will be similar to what it was in years past.

This year, there will be 47 teams participating, Wheeler said, which is nearly double what the festival has on a typical year.

“It’s going to be a big year for barbecuers,” she said. “There have been a lot of canceled barbeque events all over the country, so (participants) are coming here for the KCBS points.”

As always, this year will feature the People’s Choice Award (featuring professional barbecuers), which is set to be decided on Aug. 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Backyard BBQ Rib Fest, which features amateur barbecuers, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 22, as well.

The award ceremony will be held at 4 p.m.

This year, too, will feature the Kids ‘Q competition, where young barbecuers get to use a grill and create something on their own.

Kids ‘Q will be held between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Barbeque Alley will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 21 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 22

And, in addition to the barbeque, beer and wine, there will also be live music.

On Aug. 21 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Johnny Sundby and Russ Johnson will be performing. On Aug. 22 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Paul Larson will be performing and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chelsey D and Company will be performing.

Wine, Brew and BBQ is a free event with wristbands and tokens available for purchase to get food and drinks.

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