BY JENNIFER LAVIOLETTE

A different kind of smoke show is set to debut this year as part of the lineup of events hosted by the Roblin Ag Society. The first annual Small Town Smoke-Off is set to take place on August 2 at the Roblin Rodeo Grounds. The concept was a result of the growing popularity of people using smokers to create all kinds of recipes for summer feasts. “This all started when I threw an idea out there to see if it would take off,” said Small Town Smoke-Off organizer Randy Tucker. “I thought a smoke-off would be a good event for the community. At first, I thought about a chili cook-off, but smokers are becoming very popular, so I figured we should give it a shot and see what happens.

“This is a first-time trial and error kind of deal. I haven’t had any experience smoking a brisket or anything before, but I’ve been watching a lot of competition shows and learning as I go. There will definitely be room for improvement next year, but this is just to get people interested and started. Hopefully, the event will take off and grow into something bigger for next year.” The competition will take place at the rodeo grounds and Parkway Co-op is providing all the meat for the Small Town Smoke-off. There is a limited amount of entries being accepted for the first-time event. “People can enter individually or as a team, whichever they prefer,” said Tucker. “There is a $20 entry fee and Parkway Co-op is providing all the meat for the Small Town Smoke-off. All participants need to supply is their pellets for their smokers and rubs for the meat. Every participant is getting the same cut of meat, no specialty cuts are being given, so it comes down to who is the best cook.

“We are limiting the event to six entrants. So far, we have five businesses entered in and a few people who are interested in it. We would like entries to register before the end of the month. Although we are only taking six entrants, it would be nice to have some backups in case someone has to step down, due to unforeseen circumstances. “Participants will be doing a brisket and a full pork shoulder, as well as a chicken entrée for the judges,” said Tucker. “They will be judged on three different items. The plan is to have participants do the smokeoff right on-site at the new hay shed on the ag grounds. There should be Wi-Fi down there, that will allow them to access the Bluetooth, so they can leave their smoker and go uptown to do what they need to.”

Those in attendance for this year’s King Farmer Competition will have the opportunity to sample what the Small Town Smoke-off competitors have cooked after the event. “The meat that is cooked will be the meal hosted after the King Farmer Competition,” said Tucker. “Once everything is judged, we will set up the meal. The cost is $20 per plate and the menu consists of brisket, pulled pork, baked potato, baked beans, pasta salad, coleslaw, buns, dessert and a beverage.” Not only will there be good food to be sampled as part of the Small Town Smoke-off, but also someone will be crowned the winner and there are prizes to be won. The goal is to create a successful Small Town Smoke-off this year and grow it into a bigger event for next year. “First prize is $500, second prize is $300 and third prize is $200,” said Tucker. “RCM Outdoors from Yorkton is sponsoring the event and they have some prizes to give out to the contestants as well. “Next year I would like to open up the event to 10 or more participants. This year we are aiming for six, just because it’s a new thing we are trying out.”