Newton, IL – Get ready for a weekend of delicious BBQ, classic cars, and family fun as the Newton American Legion Post 20 hosts its 2nd Annual Smoke-Off BBQ Competition on August 22nd and 23rd at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. This event promises to be a “smokin’ hot weekend” with a variety of activities for all ages.
The main BBQ competition, featuring “Adult BBQ Masters,” will showcase competitors smoking their best wings, ribs, pork butt, and brisket. Teams have a chance to win from over $10,000 in cash prizes and trophies. The Grand Champion will take home $1000 and a trophy, while the Reserve Grand Champion receives $500 and a trophy. Trophies and cash prizes are also awarded for each of the four categories, with prizes ranging from $200 for 1st place to $25 for 5th place. Teams must pay a $250 entry fee and sign up by August 15, 2025. The meat will be provided.
A highlight for the younger crowd is the 2nd Annual Kids Barbecue Cook-Off on Saturday, August 23rd at 3:00 PM. Young grill masters (ages 5-12) will compete in a “Pork Burger contest,” bringing their best recipes. The American Legion will supply the sausage, grill, and charcoal, and participants get to keep the grill! The entry fee is $25, and prizes include $100 and a trophy for 1st place, $50 and a trophy for 2nd place, and $25 and a trophy for 3rd place.
Beyond the BBQ, the weekend is packed with other events:
Friday, August 22nd:
- Welcome the BBQ teams and a beer garden starting at 4:00 PM.
- Live music from the band Gunslingers from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Queen of Hearts drawing at 6:30 PM.
Saturday, August 23rd:
- Flea Market: Starts at 8:00 AM. Vendors are wanted and can set up for free.
- Expert Collision Smoke-Off Car Show: Registration is from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM with judging at 2:00 PM. The entry fee is $15. Awards will be given for various categories, including Best Antique, Best Classic, Best Muscle Car, Best Paint, Best Interior, Best of Show, Best Rat Rod, Best Truck, Kids’ Choice, and Participant’s Choice. Motorcycle awards will also be given.
- Live Music: Randy Kimme & The Thunder Road will play from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- People’s Choice Tasting: Starting at 12:00 PM, for just $15, you can get an armband and taste some of the best BBQ while voting for your favorite wings, brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
- Other attractions: A beer tent at 11:00 AM, Nasby Chainsaw Art, the Armed Forces Museum, raffle items, and an Apple Pie Contest.
We love an opportunity to highlight our sponsors, and Expert Collision has been a sponsor of the Jasper County Daily News for two years now and we would like to highlight the car show they are sponsoring in this event and the buisiness itself.
Expert Collision is hands down the best place to take your vehicle after an accident. Their excellent customer service, friendly atmosphere, and highest quality work make us proud and excited to recommend them for all your needs. We have personally utilized their services several times over the years and will continue to do so!
Shriners will also be on-site selling their delicious food throughout the event. For more information about the competition or any of the events, contact Jim at 980-621-0031 or Tina at 618-783-1575. You can also follow the Newton American Legion Post 20 Smoke-Off BBQ Competition on their social media page for updates. The Jasper County Fairgrounds are located at 1300 Fairground Ave, Newton IL.
