Smokin’ on the Square BBQ Cookoff

On March 7th we caught the 6th annual Smokin’ on the Square BBQ Cook-off Festival held at Pensacola’s Seville Square park in Pensacola’s Historic District.


The main event is a Kansas City Barbeque Society National BBQ Cook Teams Contest, part of a series of BBQ cookoff contests held throughout the country to determine the Grand Champion. The KCBS series is sort of like the FedEx Cup in golf where points are earned in each contest based on where you finish, first place on down. Points accumulate during the entire season and the team with the highest # of points becomes the Grand Champion. The society boasts over 19,000 members world-wide. Thousands of professional BBQ teams compete in this series so only a fraction of that were present at the Pensacola event, which was billed as the Florida State Championship. KCBS supplies certified judges who taste and rate every submission, converting the ratings to an overall score. Highest score wins, next highest is second place, and so on. Iowa’s Smokey D’s BBQ, out of Des Moines, Iowa took top honors. Currently they are sitting in fourth place (out 1145 competitors) in the Sam’s Club National BBQ competition.

In addition to the pros cooking, there is also sort of a semi-pro or amateur division for Backyard BBQ chefs. Not all in this division are really amateurs as some of them do own BBQ restaurants but are not on the KCBS circuit. The Backyard chefs are graded on the same criteria as the pros. This year’s winner was Slade BBQ of Searcy, Arkansas.


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Backyard Chefs also compete in a charity fund-raising competition offering small samples of their BBQ for a dollar charity contribution. The largest fundraiser is then crowned “Taste for Tips” champion. This year’s winner was Who Dat Smokin’.

There are also several regular food vendors offering up a variety of food items, in addition to BBQ specialties. Jo and I had some excellent pork ribs from Sonny’s BBQ, who is a co-sponsor of the event. Lucky for us, the Pensacola Bay Brewery is located right next door to Seville Park, so we took our sandwiches to the brewery’s outdoor patio and had their signature Porter to go along with our meal. Great ambience, enjoying a good beer, superb BBQ, and listening to musical entertainment coming from the park’s gazebo. BTW Pensacola Brewery has no food service, just a small tap room with about eight to ten stools and a fairly large outdoor deck. Nice variety of beer though and some of their brews are available on tap at some Pensacola dining establishments. You can take home their beer in gallon or 32 ounce growlers.

Later we discovered we left the cook-off too early, because later in the afternoon, the main music headliner was Chloe Channell, a twelve year old country music entertainer who was a quarter finalist in the 2013 America’s Got Talent TV show. I remember her from the TV show. Would have loved to see her live. http://www.chloechannell.com/

In addition to the food and entertainment, there were a smattering of arts and crafts vendors displaying their wares and art for sale. And another contest, that also has a “pro” and “amateur” event, is the “Smokin’ Cornhole” Tournament. Cornhole is sort of like a bean-bag toss game, with points scored similar to horseshoes. The master division teams were actually competing in the Gulf Coast Cornhole Series.

Lots of fun; hope to be back there again next year (2016) for the 7th Annual “Smokin in the Square” held again at Seville Square only about a week later on March 18th- 19th.

Some other major Pensacola Festivals you might enjoy: Mardi-Gras in February, Beulah Sausage Festival in March, Pensacola JazzFest in April, and the Pensacola Crawfish Festival in April or early May. See more listings of popular Pensacola events here.

Links:

Smokin’ in the Square BBQ Contest

Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS)

Sonny’s BBQ – Pensacola

Pensacola Bay Brewery

Lotta Bull BBQ
Marietta, Oklahoma
Mike and Debbie Davis
Finished #17 overall at the 2015 Pensacola Championship, but came in #2 for their ribs. Mike and Debbie were the Jack Daniels World Champion in 2010.

Fall Festival Great River Road

McGregor Fall Arts and Crafts Festival

Attractions in this post: McGregor, Iowa, Pikes Peak State Park, Prairie Du Chien Golf Course

Fall colors were starting to break out along the Mississippi River and a perfect weather forecast for the weekend encouraged Jo and I to head to McGregor, Iowa for their Arts & Crafts fall event.

McGregor Iowa’s Art and Craft Festival, second weekend in October

McGregor Fall Color. Since we were last in McGregor-Marquette area in the fall a few more of McGregor’s historic old buildings have gotten remodeled and some new enterprises now occupying them. The town is full of antique shops, artisan studios, pubs, and gift shops . . . most of them stretched along the main street that runs from the river front up the hill to out of town. Originally settled in 1837 as a ferry boat landing to cross the river to Prairie Du Chien, the community grew fast and was incorporated as a town in 1847. It retains its original river town roots in its grain elevator and dock, which was active with the fall harvest the weekend we were there. But its restored downtown buildings and interesting shops make it a fun place to visit.

McGregor Iowa Antique Shops
One of the many antique shops in “antique” buildings in McGregor
McGregor Iowa mainstreet
Main street McGregor has retained and restored many of its old commercial buildings

Our favorite dining spot, the Beer & Bratz Garden, was closed for a few days due to a death in the family. We missed having a sandwich and Leinie’s on their deck that overlooks the river.  As an alternative, we tried dinner at the Old Man River Brew Pub but we found it disappointing in many respects. So unfortunately no restaurant review here on that establishment. 🙂 The Cafe McGregor looks like a nice place; has an attractive outdoor patio. Have to try them next time we are in town.

McGregor Log Cabiin
A few structures like this log cabin date back to the 1840s and the founding of the town

There were spots of nice color on the hillside behind McGregor but we didn’t find the fall color along the river as we expected. Some trees had lost their leaves while others hadn’t changed much. If the leaves hold on, there still should be some halfway decent color towards the last half of October. Even though we missed peak color, it was still a very nice weekend to be out of doors along the Mississippi doing things whether it be hiking, leaf peeping, or touring the shops and pubs in McGregor and its nearby neighboring towns of Marquette and Prairie Du Chien.

McGregor Iowa
Not quite Peak Color on the hillside behind downtown McGregor

When we are in the area we usually do some hiking at nearby Effigy Mounds National Park as its mature forest offers some great color and it also has some very good scenic overlooks of the river. But the park was closed due to the government financial and political wrangling. This winter we hope to return to do some snowshoeing at the park when it reopens.

Pikes Peak Camping & Hiking

We lucked out and found an vacant campsite at Pikes Peak State Park located on one of the high bluffs above McGregor. Most of the 77 sites offer electrical hookups for Rvs with about a dozen suitable only for tent camping. There is a RV dump station and a clean, modern washroom and bath facility. Once we checked in we found out one reason the park was so full on an October Thursday: very reasonable campsite fees. Amenities include a day use picnic shelter, a well outfitted camp store and concession, some interesting hiking trails, and among the best scenic overlooks of the Upper Mississippi River. It is located only about two miles from town.

Here’s a few pictures of Pikes Peak.

Mississippi River Overlook, Pikes Peak
Looking upstream on the Mississippi River from Pikes Peak. Marquette-Prairie du Chien bridge in the background
Pikes Peak State Park River Overlook
The main scenic overlook of the Mississippi River Valley from Pikes Peak State Park

Prairie Du Chien Country Club Golf Course Review.

While we in the area I took an opportunity to squeeze in nine holes of golf at the Prairie Du Chien Country Club. It’s a nice little course and not too expensive. I will return to do 18 holes next time. Most of the fairways are tree-lined, with some thicker woods bordering some. About 2/3 rds of the holes are rolling hills, some with dramatic terrain changes. A few relatively level holes as well. I walked the course with little trouble. There were some challenging holes but no gimmicks. The fairways were lush and well maintained, the greens in good shape and relatively fast. The clubhouse is old and shows its age, but everything was clean. Has a small pro shop, a dining room and a bar, with an expansive deck overlooking the course. From the blue tees the course runs 6222 yards, with a slope and rating of 69.9/119.

A few pictures of the golf course.

Golfiing at Prairie du Chien
Well manicured fairways were typical of Prairie du Chien Country Club’s golf course
There are some dramatic terrain changes on some holes of the Prairie du Chien golf course

Our Rialta motor home will be soon put to bed for the winter so the next time we are at the Mississippi it will be winter for some snowshoeing.

Happy Trails,

Roscoe

Duluth-Superior Events

What’s Happening this summer in Duluth-Superior?

Beginning the weekend of June 14 – 16, there will be almost 10 consecutive weekends of festivals in Duluth, Minnesota.

Grandma's Marathon Champion Mary Akor
Grandma’s Marathon Women’s Champion Mary Akor heads towards the finish line

Always the highlight of the summer in Duluth is Grandma’s Marathon. Being held this year on June 22nd, this will be the 37th running of the marathon. The race attracts some of the top marathon runners in the world as well as over 10,000 more average Joe and Jane runners challenging themselves. Festivities begin June 20th and include other runs in addition to the regular 26.2 mile marathon. There’s a half-marathon, a couple of 5K runs, a run/walk, a youth race plus live entertainment, food, and fun activities for all ages. Jo and I caught the 2008 race and enjoyed the whole experience. You can see our report and photos from the 2008 Grandma’s Marathon here. Also see Grandma’s Marathon Website for more details on activities during the 3 day event.

The following weekend, June 29 – 30th, will be the Park Point Art Fair. This event has been going on even longer than Grandma’s Marathon. This will be the 43rd fair. Park Point is a long, narrow sandy isthmus of a peninsula that separates Lake Superior from the Bay of the St. Louis river. In addition to the artists and artisans displaying their works there will be music and food and some kids activities. Park Point Art Fair Website

Next up the following weekend will be the Duluth Fourth Fest at Bayfront Festival Park, on the 4th of July naturally. Fireworks, entertainment, rides, etc. More food, more music, more beer. The day before there will be a concert by Hairball, a rock-n-roll retro group who recreates a number of heavy metal rock groups from a few decades ago. The next weekend on Saturday July 6th is the Twin Ports Bridge Fest, a unique community event with music and showcase exhibits. Events include a water ceremony included in Saturday’s festival admission along with all the other activities and entertainment, highlighted by The Kingston Trio, Cloud Cult, Mason Jennings and activities for the whole family. Just a few days later, more food, music, and now some shopping thrown in when Downtown Sidewalk Days runs from July 10th through the 12th. More information on the Sidewalk Festival here.

Next up to bat is the All Pints North BrewFest on July 13th, followed by the popular Reggae & World Music Festival on July 20th, again being held at Bayfront Festival Park.

The US Brig Niagara is a reconstruction of the original ship captained by Commodore Perry

The most exciting event of the summer promises to be a return of the Tall Ships to Duluth for the 2013 Tall Ships Duluth Festival held from July 24th to July 30th. We were there the last time the Tall Ships were in Duluth, in 2010, and it was really neat to see these historic vessels sailing into the Duluth harbor. We took pictures and reported on the 2010 Tall Ships Festival in SuperiorTrails.com and are planning to return for this summer’s Tall Ships Fest. Last time there were 9 sailing ships in port; this year at least 10 are expected. Some of these ships will be participating in the Great Lakes Tall Ships Challenge Races being held this summer.

Lake Superior Dragon Boat Race
Three teams head for the finish in the Lake Superior Dragonboat Race & Festival, held at Barkers Island, Superior, Wisconsin

The following weekend is the Bayfront Jam Mus ic Festival on August 2- 4th. Headlining the Sunday show will be Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers. A week later Duluth welcomes the 25th Bayfront Blues Festival, August 9 – 11th, held, of course, at Bayfront Festival Park. More info here on the Blues Festival. A week later Bayfront hosts Art in Bayfront Park on August 17th and 18th.

August 23 – 24th
That following weekend, you can cross the bridge over to Superior, Wisconsin and watch the Lake Superior Dragonboat Races. The race is held in a protected bay on the south side of Barkers Island. The island is the site of the festival part of the race. Yes, more music, entertainment, food and beverages. We’ve been to the race two times and it is a fun weekend. You can see our report and photos from an earlier Dragonboat Race here.  For more on Superior, Wi see our SuperiorTrails.com website or check out the events calendar in the Superior-Douglas County website.

September 7 – 8th
We’ll be heading north to Duluth the first weekend in September to attend the KIA Duluth Street Drag Race and Car Show. This is a really fun event because it is like an old-fashioned street race with the starter simply waving a flag and lots of souped up muscle cars (show and go) as well as sleepers that look like grandpa’s family sedan yet under the hood are sumethin’ else (no show, but all go).

Lots of fun in Duluth this summer. Go see our SuperiorTrails website for more ideas on things to see and do in Duluth.

Happy Traveling,

Roscoe – roscoetrails@gmail.com

Interesting Spring Events around Lake Superior

Some Recommended Events and Festivals around Lake Superior

It has been a cold spring in the upper midwest region and around Lake Superior. Looks like things might start to warm up in a week or so.

We often take a trip up to the Lake Superior region in May to see spring break out and enjoy some of the attractions that later in the summer could be quite busy. Here’s a list of a few things going on we either plan to attend or would if the time allowed.

Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive #261 near LaCrosse, Wisconsin

National Train Day and Steam Locomotive Railfest – Duluth, MN May 11-12th

The center of activities will be at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum with special programs and train rides celebrating National Train Day. What makes the weekend and the event really neat though is that the Milwaukee Road Steam Locomotive 261 will be arriving from Minneapolis pulling a set of classic railroading train cars. This will be the first excursion of #261 in four years as it has been out of service for a major re-build and maintenance. Some of the 261’s luxury cars will then join and be pulled the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Steam Locomotive #2719 on a day excursion trip to Two Harbors and back.

Chequamegon Birding Festival & Bayfield in Bloom – Ashland &  Bayfield, WI May 16 – 18th

The Birding and Nature Festival is headquartered at the spacious Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland. Several workshops will be held there as well as exhibits on display. Even if you aren’t registered for the Festival you can still enjoy the exhibits. You can also go up to their observation deck to view migrating birds as well as check on the record of sightings. The Visitor Center also has a network of nature and hiking trails, some of which are set up to entertain kids. We never fail to stop in the Visitor Center on our trips around the lake. It is a great facility. While a number of the festival activities take place at the Center, many field trips and nature hikes are held elsewhere in the region. If you enjoy the natural world and/or birding, this is a major event that you’ll want to sample. See the event schedule here.

While you are in the neighborhood you can also catch the Garden Expo event in Bayfield on Friday. Wisconsin Public Radio hosts its “Garden Talk” radio show as the center piece of the Expo. If you can’t make the Chequamegon Festival, Grand Marais, Minnesota also hosts a nature and birding festival – May 30 – June 2nd. Later that month Grand Marais hosts a classic car show – June 15th and still later there is the Wooden Boat Festival June 20 – 22nd. Find out more about these activities at the North House Folk School website.

Grandma’s Marathon Festival – Duluth, MN June 20 – 22nd

Duluth’s Grandmas Race is the premier spring event (actually kicks off the first day of summer) around Lake Superior. The race starts in Two Harbors, Minnesota and runs along the lake shore along Scenic Highway 61 and finishes in Duluth’s Canal Park. There are numerous points along the route where you can set up your lawn chair and watch the race. Of course the biggest crowd is in Canal Park along the last quarter mile of the course. Even though there are lots of others around you can generally get a good view of the racers on the home stretch.

The 26.2 mile marathon is only one of several races going on that weekend. There’s also the half-marathon, 5 and 10K runs, a kids run, to mention a few. There’s music and food tents Friday and Saturday and other events associated with the festival. See more of what is happening at the Grandmas Race Website.

Waterfalls

Another reason we like going up to Lake Superior in late spring, in addition to bug-less hiking and camping, is seeing the waterfalls in their springtime glory. Here’s two links on our SuperiorTrails website to waterfalls.

Minnesota North Shore Waterfalls

Western Upper Peninsula Waterfalls

As summer looms closer we’ll return here to write a new entry to give you a list of interesting events and places to visit around Lake Superior. There are many. We also are planning  a 360 degree Lake Superior Circle Tour loop early this summer and hope to do a few daily reports from our tour in the pages.

Happy Trails,

Ross

Duluth, MN North Shore Fall Events

Superior Dragon Boat Race Superior, WI

Duluth, Minnesota-Superior, Wisconsin Fall Events The big event in the Duluth-Superior Twin Ports area at the end of August is the  Lake Superior Dragonboat Race The race is held in a protected bay on the south side of Barkers Island. The island is the site of the festival part of the race. Yes, more music, entertainment, … Read more