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Smokin' In Steele 2009 Smokin' in Steele BBQ Competition and Blues Festival presented by the Knights of Columbus in Owatonna provided a backdrop for a fundraiser for the Special Olympics and a terrific time. Add another event to my personal can't miss calendar for next year,
(always the weekend after memorial Day). This Kansas City BBQ Association sanctioned State championship held at the Steele
County Fairgrounds was a fabulous way to spend an early summers’ weekend.
I arrived a little late on Friday, having given myself a nice case of the blues by trying to play golf
that afternoon. As I mentioned to someone, if my game had been as good as the weather, I could turn pro! Upon arrival, I found our campsite. Blue Monday staffers Bart and Vicki had already set-up our site. My wife, Kaye, her scooter, my cooler and gear were ready to party. How nice to get somewhere late and have most
of the work already done! I was impressed with the camping area. The grassy sites were located a
couple blocks from the festival (in the fairgrounds), but it was an easy walk. There were golf carts
running around happy to shuttle us, too. The sites themselves had water and electric. There was a really
clean building nearby with showers and rest room facilities. We camped next to friends from Rochester. Between us, we partied pretty much around
the clock. This event had a little something for everyone including a
fully sanctioned modified garden tractor pull and helicopter rides on Saturday.
The food was amazing. The professional barbecue entrants were beyond belief. I don't know that I've ever seen such extensive
equipment. Most had super sized RVs and trailers to haul all this stuff. These people are serious! There was also a number of amateur contestants.
They offered a "taste" of their grilled fare for $1. All those proceeds went directly to the
Special Olympics. I don't know if it gets better than the grilled asparagus
I had along with pork from one of the contestants. There were also several commercial vendors who had reasonably priced and delicious barbecue menus. The
festival offered a $5 all you can eat breakfast on Sunday. If you left this festival hungry, it was by your own choice!
The music was all indoors in a huge wide open beer garden. Five world class bands
for $5! There was a good stage, a big dance floor and lots of tables and
chairs available. While I generally prefer the music to be outdoors on a nice weekend like this, there was nothing objectionable
about the indoor area with open patios on both ends. I went to get a beer and had a really nice surprise...for $3 you could get your choice of a nice assortment
of non-standard flavors. If you spot me looking a little fishy, it could be from the quantity of "Landshark" I consumed.
Ah...and then there was music. After all, isn't that why I go to these things anyway? I missed Austin, MN based Plan
B, due to my late arrival. I have seen them on several occasions and they have never failed to satisfy.
Brandon Scott Sellner played two long sets to close out Friday night. Brandon was as "hot" as ever and spent
time playing in the audience on more than one song. Does this fine young player ever slow down? I don't think so.
On Saturday, Paul Mayasich opened at 2pm. I was not able to see Paul as I was coordinating a Blues for Kids program. Mike
Fugazzi from the band NiteRail graciously volunteered his time as a teacher and by the end of the afternoon, there were 71 new musicians playing
their new free harmonicas. By the time I completed my Blues for Kids obligations, the second band, the Shufflin' Duprees were starting their second set. As the band website
says, "We are a La Crosse, WI based band that wants you to have a good time with some of that Old School Blues, some
of that Shufflin' Blues, some of that Soul Blues AND of course, some of our own fine blends of R&B, Funk, and Rock."
...and yes, we did have a good time. I had not seen these fine musicians before and look forward to next
time.
Saturday night closed with 2 sets by favorite, Scottie Miller with his full band. Alas, the end had to come and who better to close
out than Scottie. They kept the dance floor filled, first note to last.
I feel like dancing just remembering the show. I will share my plan with you for next year! Get there early, camp in the wonderful camping area and load up on food, beer and blues. If the event and the music is half as good as this year,
it will be a huge success! I’ll see you there. Review by-Doug Spike (published in July 2009 Blue Monday Monthly)
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