Get Ready for Q-Fest at Farley Fest 2022

Q-Fest is back! And they’re turning up the heat to turn out some tasty tidbits for you to sample.
The Valley Express grilled the coordinators of Q-Fest 2022, Pat Blauert, Brian Trapp, and Travis Lester to find out all the juicy details about this year’s Q-Fest and the secret to taking home the prize money and trophy. 

The three coordinators, who now specialize in eating barbecue instead of cooking it, explained Q-Fest began in Milbank 16 years ago as a stand-alone contest. Greg Thomas and Ricky Bolin got things cookin’ back then. Eventually, Q-Fest was added to the lineup at Farley Fest. 

This year, the contestants will plate beef brisket, pork butt, and pork spare ribs. All the meat is provided free to the contestants, including the ribs that are courtesy of PIPESTONE.

Smoke the competition and take home one of three prizes in each of the three main categories: *Grand Champion – $250 cash and the Championship Trophy. *1st Place (in each meat category) – $200 cash and a Trophy * 2nd Place (in each meat category) – $100 cash and a Trophy *3rd Place (in each meat category) – $50 cash and a Trophy *People’s Choice – Trophy

The coordinators say the judges are looking for the ideal brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, but each cook can put their spin on things with a special sauce or rub. Or, they can spice things up by presenting their version in a unique way.

Does talk about char and crust get your creative juices flowing? Are you chomping at the bit to try out that new basting brush?  Why not get your dream team together? Coordinators say there is no minimum or maximum number of people to make a team, but it’s a lot of work for just one person. Two to four people typically form a team.

The teams will meet on Friday night, July 29, at Lake Farley Park. The meat is also distributed then. The teams remain at the park that night and until after the contest is over. Judging starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 30.

The public tasting begins at noon. Awards are announced at about 2:30 or 3 p.m. Tickets to sample the entries are just $2 apiece or 15 tickets for $20. Tasters also vote to select the People’s Choice award winner. Get your tickets onsite on July 30, the day of the contest.
No bones about it, this is one event everyone can sink their teeth into. Don’t miss the fun and the food. It’s all part of Farley Fest 2022 from July 29 to July 30 at Lake Farley Park in Milbank.