Lethbridge will be hosting a high-level barbecue competition this summer as part of a broader initiative to highlight the region’s cuisine.
Smoke, Wind & Fire will be a festival celebrating grilled meat, and the central event will be a Master Series BBQ Competition recognized by the prestigious Kansas City Barbeque Society. The competition will welcome pro and amateur teams with colourful names like Bad to the Brisket, The Notorious P. I. G. and Hogparts School of Smokecraft and Brewery.
The competition will be judged by John Jackson and Connie DeSousa of the CHARCUT restaurant, Devynn Bohn of Hickory Street and locals who undergo a judging course.
The weekend will also feature an amateur competition for local grillers, a beer garden and a BBQ expo for those who want to sample everything the grill’s offerings.
The event is part of Southern Alberta Table, a summer-long series of events that aims to highlight what the region has to offer. The initiative also includes Odyssey 2021, a food-themed scavenger hunt that will lead participants across southern Alberta, and a special Harvest Dinner event in October.
Events like this, often promoted through means such as brochure printing and websites, help to encourage both tourism and locals to discover new tastes and businesses.
Smoke, Wind & Fire will take place at Lethbridge Exhibition Park on July 10 and 11.
