Blue River rib competition returns with cash prizes and 20-team cap

The 3rd Annual Chiasson Smoke Backyard Rib Competition is set for Aug. 29 at Village Park in Blue River, Wisconsin, as part of Blue River Autumn Fest. The event will bring together 20 pitmaster teams, rib sampling, family activities and a prize pool with 100% payback plus $1,000 from sponsors. Why it matters: - The competition adds a food-and-family draw to Blue River Autumn Fest and gives backyard cooks a chance to win cash, recognition and barbecue bragging rights. - The event also brings spectators, local families and barbecue fans into Village Park for a full day of community activity. What happened: - The 3rd Annual Backyard Rib Competition is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Village Park in Blue River, Wisconsin. - The contest is part of Blue River Autumn Fest. - Organizers say 20 pitmaster teams will compete. - Registration is now open for cooks who want to enter. The details: - Spectators will be able to sample ribs from competing teams during the event. - Face painting and other Blue River Autumn Fest activities will run alongside the rib competition. - Judges will evaluate the teams’ recipes, techniques and smoking skills. - Participants will compete for cash prizes, bragging rights and a prize pool with 100% payback plus an additional $1,000 from event sponsors. - Registration forms, official rules and event details are available in the competition listing . Between the lines: - Jason Chiasson, the event organizer and founder of Chiasson Smoke, framed the contest as a way to celebrate backyard barbecue and bring people together around the festival. - The 20-team limit suggests the competition is designed to stay manageable while keeping demand high for early sign-ups. - The mix of rib sampling, family activities and prize money positions the event as both a contest and a festival attraction. What’s next: - Organizers are urging interested teams to practice now and register early before the 20-entry field fills. - Community members are being encouraged to attend hungry and spend the day at Blue River Autumn Fest. - The event is expected to deliver a mix of competition, entertainment and small-town gathering on Aug. 29. The bottom line: - Blue River is betting that barbecue competition can serve as both a serious cook-off and a community draw.