Smokin’ ready to roll out Saturday

    Popular events are returning and there are some new activities for Imperial’s 5th annual Smokin’ on Broadway on tap for this Saturday.
    Most events will headquarter around city square, the city-owned block on Broadway between 7th and 8th Streets.
    Jack Schnieder said nine teams are confirmed for the BBQ contest around which all of the Smokin’ events are centered.
    Smokers will receive the four contest meats Friday at 9 p.m. which they’ll prepare, some of them starting that night. The meats include brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and sausage.
    They also have the option of competing in a baked bean contest.
    Judging of the BBQ entries starts at 1 p.m., and the public can try samples from the smokers starting at 4 p.m., after the judging, Schnieder said.
    People of the community will then enjoy a free evening BBQ at 6 p.m. on the grounds, under a tent, compliments of the Imperial Chamber of Commerce, which coordinates Smokin’ on Broadway.
    Schneider said the community BBQ was added this year as a thank-you.
    “We just wanted to say thank-you for the support of Chamber businesses from the community during COVID,” he said.
    The meal will include a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, chips and water.
    Capping off the day will be the evening concerts, featuring three performers, and starting at 7 p.m. in the grassy area on the east side of city square.
Many more events
    A youth bike parade, led by the CCS band, kicks off the activities at 9:30 a.m., shortly after people turn in their paint out entries.
    On Tuesday, there were still limited supplies for the paint out ready to be picked up at the city offices. Finished paintings are due at 9 a.m. Saturday.
    The hot wing contest, during which participants have 10 minutes to eat as many hot, spicy wings as they can, starts at 11 a.m. Contestants must be at least 19 years old.

    Salsa entries are due at 12 noon, with public sampling at 2:30 p.m in the city gym.
    There are entry fees for the two contests, with winners receiving Chamber Bucks.
    Jana Pribbeno, member of the Smokin’ committee, said people can enter the wings and salsa contests up until they start Saturday. Forms are available online at smokinon broadway.com.
    New events on this year’s schedule include a cornhole tournament and the historical monuments program in the theatre.
    The cornhole tourney starts at 1 p.m. in the city gym. Teams must be registered by noon this Friday. Call Randy Roesener, 308-882-6988, to sign up.
    Inflatables are returning to the day-long event this year, Pribbeno said. Featured will be a Sports Bounce House, a Bungee Run and Hamster Track Ball Races.
    Budding artists can take in the Thirsty Painter event at 3:30 p.m. with Sara Stretesky.
    Adam White, who’s visited Smokin’ before, returns with his magic show with two performances at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    Lego enthusiasts can take in the building competition from 1 to 4 p.m. in the library.
    Pickleball is also part of the day, with open play at Campbell Park starting at 10 a.m.
    The taco-making contest was cancelled due to lack of entries.