This past weekend the hubby and I had the pleasure of attending a Smokin’ Q Barbecue Competition at Lynnwood Ranch – Aldersyde, Alberta. A beautiful ranch style venue situated riverside just minutes south of Calgary.
This is their 2nd annual event (sat-sun) beginning with a ‘Feast and Frolic’ on Saturday evening where folks get to vote for their favourite competitor then devour a sensational southern style meal prepared at the ranch kitchen followed by dancing, live entertainment and a cash bar.
It wasn’t long after we arrived, the room was buzzing with chatter and I’m guessing there must have been at least 300 people in attendance to this sold out event.
At our table, we were greeted with a display of masterfully assembled appetizers by some very talented pit masters whom travelled from BC and all over Alberta and Saskatchewan to compete in the event. Voting for my favourite was not easy, each tasty bite offered a unique and distinct flavour. Admittedly, I quickly learned there are more levels to smoking than I’d experienced before.
The smell of smoke and bbq was everywhere and lucky for us, we were chosen first up for dinner! We filled our plates while chefs carved up some tender and juicy protein which consisted of tender AAA applewood smoked brisket along with our very own Alberta pork in the form of sweet and savoury baby back ribs (To which I happily helped myself to two!)
Sides were house made caesar salad, a delicious blend of roasted pepper medley baked beans, sweet grilled corn on the cob, perfectly roasted savoury carrots and green beans and country slaw. And I certainly will not forget their loaded mashed potatoes with double – smoked bacon!! Yum!
To tell you the truth, I didn’t even have dessert because there wasn’t all that much room left! BUT rumour has it, the warm apple crumble and ice-cream was pretty darn good!
Sunday was hopping when the family and I showed up early afternoon for the second event – ‘Smokin’ Q‘ Now it was competition time! Crews gave their samples of various categories to the judges while the public sampled some fresh, smoky pork, chicken and beef. Nothing beats a warm summer day with cold drinks, amazing food and the company of others. Just check out this view from the top of the hill…
There were other vendors, attractions and activities such as; hay rides, classic cars, drone demonstrations, 4H club and of course Lynnwood’s very own Ranch BBQ Food Truck serving up some of the best pulled pork around!
Of course the day would not be complete without some recognition and prize money. The competition was fierce and I congratulate all the competitors in this event. A special shout out to Arrowhead North BBQ, as they were this years overall Grand Champion!
For the full list of competitors and their rankings in each category: Event Winners – Smokin Q
Despite a slight case of the meat sweats, I have to say, it was a smokin’ good time had by all. Thanks again to Gus and Wendy Leduc of Lynwood Ranch, I’ll definitely be back again next year!