Smokin’ returning to roots, with event moved later in July

    “Back to our roots” is how one committee member for Smokin’ on Broadway described this year’s day-long activity.
    Jack Schnieder and Tyler Pribbeno are coordinating the events on July 16, which will include only the popular BBQ contest and an evening concert featuring Imperial natives The Talbott Brothers.
    The first Smokin’ on Broadway was held in 2016, after a successful Hear Nebraska concert in the summer 2015 at Imperial Country Club.
    In August 2016, the first BBQ contest drew 14 entries with a few other events, all headquartered at the city square ground between 7th and 8th Streets on Broadway.
    Pribbeno said a “back to our roots” theme can also apply to The Talbott Brothers, who performed at the 2015 concert which the next year was combined with Smokin’ on Broadway.
    They returned to play again in 2017, and will headline the concert this year, Pribbeno said.
    A number of factors led the Chamber of Commerce to cut back on events with year.
    Schnieder said they moved Smokin’, normally held in June, to July due, in part, to two other BBQ contests in Chase County during June.
    They also cut back on the schedule due to diminishing participation in events like the wings and other food contests in the last few years.
    “It’ll just be the BBQ contest and concert this year,” Schnieder said.
    Only wood-fired barbecuing is allowed, Schnieder said, as participants cook brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs and sausage.
The meat will be distributed to teams Friday night, when the barbecuing will begin.
    Free samples to the public will be available about 4 p.m., after judging is over, he said.
    Schnieder said the BBQ contest sign-up is underway now, and teams need to be registered by June 24. He already has several verbal confirmations from participants.
    “I’d love to have 15 teams,” he said.
    Cash prizes will be awarded in each division. There is no maximum number of teams that can take part, he said.
    People who want to sign up now for the contest can call Schnieder at 308-883-6573.
    While Pribbeno received confirmation from the Talbott Brothers this week, he said he’s still working on an opening act for the concert.