At the Stanley City Council’s meeting on March 3rd, a special event vending permit, street use permit, and special event permit for VFW Post 2711 were approved for the upcoming Smoke & Fire BBQ Competition, scheduled for April 25-26, 2025, at Soo Line Park.
Event organizer Dean Tinjum of Big Ten Bones BBQ Team attended the meeting to present the event details to the Council. He shared his vision for the competition, emphasizing the goal of bringing business to downtown Stanley rather than focusing on Chapman Park. “We want to bring some business to downtown Stanley instead of to the park,” Tinjum said.
Tinjum explained that the competition will feature 18 BBQ teams, with participants from various states. So far, 10 teams have signed up. While the event is not traditionally a “big spectator sport,” Tinjum is introducing a new initiative called “Spring into Stanley.” Local businesses including Hazuga’s True Value, Kelly Grill, 1881 Nutrition, and Tessy’s Popcorn are invited to set up booths and sell their products, adding a vibrant downtown atmosphere to the event.
To accommodate the festivities, Tinjum proposed closing part of First Avenue, beginning at the Stanley Post Office and extending eastward. The closure would allow for easier access to vendor booths and other activities. Alderperson Mark Fitzsimmons commented on the potential for the new park building’s bathrooms to be available for use by the event.
Tinjum mentioned that certified judges will be brought in to evaluate the BBQ teams, and he noted that the VFW has provided insurance for the event and the VFW will also be selling pulled pork sandwiches. Additionally, Tinjum mentioned that the event will serve as a fundraiser for the VFW.
The 2025 Smoke & Fire BBQ Competition promises to be an exciting and community-oriented event in Stanley, while bringing new energy to the downtown area.