TOPEKA (KSNT) – Barbecue lovers gathered at Lake Shawnee Friday night for Smoke on the Water, an annual event featuring barbecue competitions, live music and activities for the community.
The event’s public showcase gave visitors a chance to enjoy food from competing barbecue teams, listen to live music and take part in family-friendly activities.
Jacob Buchanan, multimedia coordinator for Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, said this year’s event is bigger than last year, with five or six additional teams competing. He also noted Smoke on the Water is free to the public.
“So, there’s free music, free activities and you get to eat some delicious food from around the area,” Buchanan said.
Smoke on the Water features two barbecue competitions. One is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, allowing competitors to earn points toward the American Royal barbecue competition. The other, called the Outlaw BBQ competition, gives home cooks, restaurant owners and food truck operators a chance to compete without registering with the organization.
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Visitors can sample barbecue from different teams using tokens called BBQ Bucks. Admission to the public showcase is free, with food available for purchase.
Barbecue competitions continue Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Lake Shawnee Campground, where teams will compete for top honors. Visitors can also enjoy food, live music and activities throughout the day.
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