March 28, 2024

Barbecue competition added to Newton Fest 2016 lineup

Newton Fest has added a new component to this year’s annual weekend event.

The Backyard BBQ Competition will take place on June 11 in the city parking lot on North Second Avenue West next to the Walker, Billingsley and Bair law office. The event is organized by Newton Main Street in partnership with the Iowa Barbecue Society and is sponsored by Moo’s BBQ.

A panel of certified judges and the general public will have a chance to vote for their favorite ribs and chicken wings. Prizes for various categories, including a People’s Choice Award, will total $1,000 and include trophies for each category.

Backyard barbecue contests are geared toward amateur grilling enthusiasts. Entry in the contest is open to the general public, but is limited to the first 60 contestants to sign up.

Registration is $30.

“We were looking for a food-related event to hold downtown for Newton Fest,” said Andrew Bassman, executive director of Newton Main Street. “We thought a backyard barbecue contest would be a great way to get amateur cooks involved and a People’s Choice Award would be a way for the public to sample what is cooked. Plus, we love the smell of barbecue.”

Newton Fest, held June 9-12, is a community-wide celebration of Newton’s past, present and future. The community festival features family fun, live music and entertainment for all ages. In 2015, Newton Fest was named the Outstanding Newton Event in the metro category by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa.

To learn more about Newton Fest 2016 and register for the Backyard BBQ Competition,  visit www.newtonfest.org. Fill out and mail the registration form and entry fee to Newton Main Street at 113 First Ave. W. in Newton. rules & regulations.  Rules and regulations are also on the website.

For more information, call Newton Main Street at 641-792-5545.