West Union City administrator, Nick McIntyre and West Union Mayor Adam Keller are ready for the second annual BREWBQ festivities that will begin this Saturday morning. (Megan Molseed photo)
2nd Annual WU BrewBQ this Saturday
By Meagan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com
With the forecast calling for sunny and a high of 58 degrees on Saturday, October 5, it will be a perfect day for all area craft beer, chili, and barbecue lovers to come on down to the second annual West Union BREWBQ!
The second annual event will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday in downtown West Union.
“It will be a great event to top off homecoming week,” smiled West Union Deputy City Clerk and BREWBQ Committee member. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, we even have some new events this year!”
The event started last year, as city officials were looking to begin an annual town-wide event. With the growing popularity of microbreweries mixed with a good old-fashioned chili and BBQ cook-off, the BREWBQ was born.
“It is a great way for people to come down and take part in the cooking competitions while enjoying some of the local brews,” said Johansen. “Plus, this year we have been working with the North Fayette Valley Student Council to incorporate a homecoming grand march into the festivities.”
With a number of family friendly activities planned for the day, the West Union BREWBQ Committee says all are welcome to participate throughout the day, from BBQ and chili samples, live music and so much more.
“A $5 wristband gets you all the samplings you want throughout the day,” said Johansen. “We will also have T&T BBQ there during the event.”
So far, there are six barbequers registered and 13 chili entries.
The event kicks off at 7 a.m. as the BBQ set up begins. By 9 a.m., a variety of locally donated meats will be handed out to the BBQ cookers.
Chili contestants will set up at 11 a.m.
The beer garden will open at 11 a.m. The judging of the Chili Cook-Off will be held at noon. The beer garden will serve as a tour of northeast Iowa brewery tour with many local flavors on tap along with traditional domestic beers such as Busch Light and Bud Light, among others.
Not Jupiter and other guests will provide live music for the event. A number of children’s activities, including bounce houses, will be available, as well.
New this year is a Golf Cart Rodeo. This rodeo will consist of two person teams where one contestant drives blindfolded while the other provides the direction.
“It should be a fun event to watch,” laughed Johansen.
There will be a beanbag tournament at 2 p.m. followed by a NFV Homecoming Grand March on the plaza at 4 p.m.
“Many of the local businesses will be providing dinner specials for NFV students who will be attending the homecoming dance,” noted Johansen. “It will be a fun way for the kids to get dinner before they head up to the school.”
Spots are still available in the Chili Cook-Off. Those interested have until Friday, Oct. 4, to preregister for the cook-off by calling West Union City Hall at (563) 422-3908. There will be a $25 entry fee. Contestants must bring the chili fully prepared and ready to serve, with the necessary utensils, the public. The committee will provide bowls, spoons, and sampling cups. It is also advised that signage be brought to denote to the public how spicy the chili is.
