No Smokin’ BBQ contest; Talbott Bros. concert on

    Due to lack of entries, the Chamber of Commerce Smokin’ on Broadway BBQ contest July 16 was cancelled.
    Chris Lee, a Smokin’ committee member, said chairman Jack Schnieder had received only a couple of entries as of last week, so at a Chamber board special meeting, the decision was made to cancel.
    However, Lee said the free concert featuring the Talbott Brothers is still scheduled for that night starting at 7:30 p.m. on the City Square green space along Broadway.
    Nick and Tyler Talbott, who are Imperial natives, will be bringing their full band July 16 for a 90-minute concert, Lee noted.
    “It will be a good night with the concert along main street,” he said.
    Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating. Food and drink vendors will be on site during the concert, he said.
    The grassed area will be fenced off for ID checks, and arm bands will be distributed.
    Lee said two other BBQ contests in the county the past month may have hurt entries for Smokin’ on Broadway.
    He knows the community wants to see Smokin’ continue in the future, but more committee members need to get involved.
    There are just three of the original committee members working on the Chamber-sponsored event right now, he added.
    He’d like to see others get involved in the planning. They do not have to be Chamber members to coordinate the Smokin’ events, he said.
    In addition to funds from the Chamber to put on the concert, Lee said the Chase County Tourism Committee also contributed. Business sponsor letters went out last week.