Despite the sun scorching down on Yelm City Park with low 90-degree temperatures, thousands of carnivorous patrons crowded the area to enjoy the fourth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, Saturday, July 22.
The event attracted approximately 8,000 barbecue lovers throughout the day, Yelm Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amanda Muñoz said.
“I really think the fourth annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally was bigger and better than before,” she said. “We were working on so many changes early in the year, and to see it come to life was so amazing. It was more than I could’ve imagined. It was awesome. The environment was so positive. Throughout the day, I was able to speak with people that I’ve never met. I was told that every year it keeps getting better and better, and I think the community had a really good time.”
She added that 12 different food vendors attended, which ensured a variety of different food options for attendees. The vendors included Baines Famous Kettle Corn, Bouche’s Sweet Things LLC, Comfort Food Café & Snack Bar, Hobo’s BBQ, Island Creamery Concessions, Jerk An Tingz, Jerk Juicy BBQ, Kona Ice of Yelm, SAV Sweets LLC, Steele Barrel BBQ, Tin Hut BBQ and Worthy Coffee Co.
Muñoz added that there were 45 additional business vendors in attendance at the event. She said there was a fun, “well put together” area for children to enjoy different activities, as well as a parent station hosted by Living Water. Aside from a plethora of food options, a number of activities kept families entertained throughout the day.
Muñoz said the best thing about the event was the sense of family and community.
“Everyone seemingly knew someone there, and it was just nice,” she said. “It’s so hard to pick just one highlight from the event. I’d definitely say that I really enjoyed the live performances by the Clown Fish and the Lemmings. They had such a good, up-beat vibe to them that went all over the park. All of our performances were so cool and the community enjoyed those.”
The day offered different competitions, as well, including the returning Amateur Andy’s competition. The competition featured a field of amateur grill masters who competed in different meat categories, including chicken, ribs and brisket.
“For the Amateur Andy competition, we had people show up the day before to start getting themselves ready,” Muñoz said. “They prep so far in advance for this competition. They’re amateurs, but they put a lot of time and energy into it. That’s why we have so many categories. They each offered something to appreciate.”
The overall grand champion of the Amateur Andy’s competition was team BBQ ICU, which won first place in both chicken and beef brisket categories.
The award of reserve champion went to Smokin’ Pigs BBQ, which placed in all four categories. The team took second place in the pork shoulder category, and third in chicken, pork ribs and beef brisket.
Steele Barrel Barbecue won the People’s Choice Award for the second consecutive year. The local food truck offers local barbecue, open from Thursday through Sunday.
“We place little cards out and everyone can scan it and vote for their favorite food vendor,” Muñoz said. “Steele was the winner of that one. His food is so amazing, and he’s such a great guy. He does so much for the community and for the BBQ Rally. He’s always doing something.”
Cody Leslie, member of team BBQ ICU, prepared brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs for the annual Amateur Andy’s competition.
“I’ve always wanted to do a competition,” he said. “I looked around for a long time, and after moving to the area last year, my wife found a local competition that I could join. I’ve been barbecuing for eight or nine years now. I love smoked chicken wings. That’s one of my favorites. But fortunately I did a competition two weeks ago, so most of this stuff I already bought in advance. I’m really excited for the competition today.”
The event wouldn’t have been possible without help from sponsors, vendors and volunteers, Muñoz said. She wanted to give a special thank you to Northwest Chevrolet, the event’s stage sponsor, and DZines All Day, the event’s marketing sponsor.
“We are so thrilled that we get to throw this amazing event,” Muñoz said. “I really hope that everyone had a great time, and thank you for coming out to support our amazing businesses and all the people that brought their talent out.”
Amateur Andy’s Results
Amateur Chicken
First Place- BBQ ICU
Second Place-
Ock’s Shop Shack BBQ
Third Place- Smokin’ Pigs BBQ
Amateur Pork Rib
First Place- Rib Ticklers
Second Place-
Ock’s Shop Shack BBQ
Third Place- Smokin’ Pigs BBQ
Amateur Pork Shoulder
First Place- Rib Ticklers
Second Place-
Smokin’ Pigs BBQ
Third Place-
Ock’s Shop Shack BBQ
Amateur Beef Brisket
First Place- BBQ ICU
Second Place- Fat Charlies
Third Place- Smokin’ Pigs BBQ
