If the State Fair is “the Great Minnesota Get-Together,” Lake Minnetonka’s new BBQ & Beer Fest might very well become the great Lake Minnetonka neighborhood cookout. With an official barbeque competition, local breweries offering samples and two great local bands, Manitou Park in Tonka Bay is the place to be on August 13.
The barbeque competition will be organized by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Thirty-six teams (which have already been confirmed) will cook chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butt and beef brisket for KCBS-certified barbeque judges, and compete for $10,000 and entry in the 2017 American Royal World Series of Barbeque Invitational in Kansas City, Missouri. They’ll also be entered into a drawing to compete at the 2017 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee. (If barbeque had an Olympics, this would be it.)
“It became very apparent that we were missing an event like this in town,” says Laura Hotvet, executive director of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, who’s been part of the team planning the festival.
On Friday, teams will set up camp and begin seasoning and cooking their meat, says contest organizer Tony Korthaus, owner of Quetopia BBQ Supply in Minnetonka. He knows his barbeque and is excited to bring a KCBS competition to town, something he agrees has been missing in the area. “Competitors are allowed to cook on charcoal, wood or wood pellet-fired equipment only—gas and electric are not allowed,” he explains.
While festival guests won’t be able to sample the meat, it will go to a great cause. Cathy Maes is executive director of Loaves & Fishes, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that provides meals to those facing hunger in Minnesota. Loaves & Fishes will serve those delicious meats to local people in need. Using a food truck, of sorts—among other programs—the organization can feed hundreds in one trip to an impoverished neighborhood or shelter. “It’s a crazy idea, but it works.” says Maes. “Our guests are going to love it. We were honored to be asked to be a part of this event.”
And what’s a cookout without some tunes and a great beer? Javier & the Innocent Sons and Trailer Trash will keep the music coming throughout Saturday night, and the park’s hockey rink will be made into a ticketed beer-tasting venue featuring more than 25 local brews.
“The collection of Minnesota breweries in one place will create an opportunity for western suburban folks to continue to expand their horizons, without having to drive all over the place,” says Matty O’Reilly, co-owner of 318 Café and a board member of the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce.
Though this year’s festival is the first of its kind, Hotvet is certain of one thing. “It’s going to be a hoot,” she says.
What’s Cookin’ on Saturday
Noon: Hazellewood Grill and other food vendors open for business.
Noon–1:30 p.m.: Teams submit meat for judging.
3–6 p.m.: Beer Fest with more than 25 local brews to sample. $10, designated driver; $35, general admission before event; $45, day of event. Additional food and drinks available for purchase.
4 p.m.: Barbeque awards ceremony.
4:30 p.m.: Music on Bridgewater Bank Stage.
