BBQ Fest – September 6, 2025
Serving Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Join us for the annual Backyard BBQ Competition, part of BBQ Fest at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls. This exciting event invites amateur grillers and BBQ enthusiasts to showcase their talents, serve the public, and compete for cash prizes, awards, and the coveted People’s Choice title.
Competition Overview
The Backyard BBQ Competition will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Participation is open to amateur contestants and backyard teams. A maximum of 20 teams will be accepted, with spots filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The entry fee is $100 per team and is non-refundable.
To register, complete the application form and mail it with payment to:
NWSF - BBQ Fest
225 Edward Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Competition Categories and Prizes
The meat categories include Chicken, Ribs, and Pork Loin (provided by the event for the People’s Choice). Each team may enter one item per category.
Prize breakdown:
Chicken and Ribs Categories
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First Place: $300 and ribbon
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Second Place: $200 and ribbon
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Third Place: $100 and ribbon
Overall Awards
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Grand Champion (combined scores from Chicken and Ribs): $400
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Reserve Champion: $200
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Best of Show: Trophy
People’s Choice Awards (Pork Loin samples)
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People’s Choice Winner: $400
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Runner-Up: $200
Total prize payout for the event is $2,400.
Event Day Schedule
Check-in, meat inspection, and setup will begin at 6:30 AM. A mandatory cook’s meeting for all teams is scheduled at 7:00 AM. The Backyard area opens to the public at 11:00 AM for sampling. Turn-in times are 1:00 PM for chicken and 1:30 PM for ribs. People's Choice voting ends at 4:00 PM, and winners will be announced at 5:00 PM.
People’s Choice Participation
Each team will receive approximately 15 pounds of pork loin at the cook’s meeting to prepare for public sampling. Attendees can purchase a $20 judging sheet, sample the pork from each team, and vote by placing a token into their favorite team’s bucket. The contestant with the most tokens will be named the People’s Choice Champion, and the second highest will receive the Runner-Up award. Participation in the People’s Choice is required for all teams.
Teams are encouraged to offer small sample portions of their pork loin and may also provide samples of their other entries or signature BBQ sauces. Serving supplies will be provided.
General Rules and Requirements
All meat must be cooked on-site the day of the contest. Teams must maintain safe food temperatures, and all meats must be under 42°F at the time of inspection. Cooking can be done on any type of grill or smoker, but food trucks are not allowed.
Teams will be assigned a 20’ x 20’ space upon arrival. No reserved spots are available, so teams should arrive together for placement. Setup must be completed by 7:30 AM. All non-supply vehicles must be removed from the contest area by 9:30 AM. Power is available if requested, but teams must bring their own extension cords. Water will be accessible nearby, and ice will be available for purchase. Teams should bring their own tents and tables (6-foot tables can be rented for $8 each). Trash and ash disposal areas will be provided.
Camping is available through the Northern Wisconsin State Fair website at:
https://www.nwsfa.com/p/arrange-your-visit/fair-hill-campground-alternate
All teams must be fully packed and disconnected from power by 6:00 PM.
Judging Criteria
Backyard BBQ entries will be judged on Appearance, Texture, and Flavor, each on a 1 to 10 point scale. Texture will be evaluated based on tenderness, juiciness, and consistency. Flavor will consider seasoning, balance, and smoke level. Winners will be announced at 5:00 PM in the Custer Coliseum.
For People’s Choice, judging is determined by public vote using tokens provided upon submitting a signed judging sheet. Sheets must be at least 50% complete to qualify for voting.
Liability Waiver
Participants acknowledge that BBQ competitions may involve certain risks. By entering the competition, all participants agree to release and hold harmless the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association and its affiliates from any claims, liabilities, or costs that may arise from participation, including any resulting from negligence. A signed waiver is required with each entry.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Rusty Volk
Phone: (715) 723-2861 ext. 102
Email: rvolk@nwsfa.com