The Drayton Kinsmen are gearing up for their annual summer fundraiser.
Now in its third year, the Smoke N’ Sounds Festival will feature a barbecue competition along with live bands, a truck show and a pub night.
Club officials say the festival, set for June 9 to 11, will be a weekend of great tunes, great events and great cooking, featuring world class barbecuing.
Sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS), over 20 professional teams from Canada and the United States will participate in a four-meat cook off.
Friday night will feature a pub night in the beer gardens with chicken wings on the menu. Patrons are asked to vote for their favourite wings and the fan favourite will be announced at the end of the evening. Landlines will be performing live music on the stage.
As the competition teams have their smokers warmed up on Friday, festival attendees are encouraged to ask questions of the competitors, possibly gaining some valuable tips on backyard barbecuing.
New, old, custom and stock pickup trucks will be on display on Saturday, starting at noon.
Pickup truck owners wanting to show off their vehicle have an opportunity to win prizes in a wide range of categories, including: Best Lifted Truck, Best Rims and Tires, Best Stock Truck, Best Custom Truck, Best Light Package.
Pickup truck owners will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Trailer Back Up Speed Heats.
At 2pm on Saturday judging takes place in the Whole Hog Competition. Pork lovers are encouraged to sample the freshly-barbecued pork and vote on their favourite between 3 and 5:30pm. The Best Hog Meat Champion will be announced at 5:30pm. Live bands will perform on stage all afternoon and vendors will be available on site.
The Drayton Kin Family will host a Pulled Pork Dinner from 6 to 8pm. A Kinsmen dance follows from 9pm to 1am featuring the band Brothers From Other Mothers. Tickets for each event are $15/person or $25 for both events.
The KCBS competition including chicken, pork, ribs and brisket, begins on Sunday with hand ins at noon. The Grand Champion will be crowned at 4pm.
A raffle draw will also be held for a Louisiana smoker.
The Smoke N’ Sounds Festival takes place at the Drayton Fairgrounds, 49 Elm Street. Proceeds from the event go to Ronald McDonald House and the Palmerston and District Hospital.
The Drayton Kinsmen are looking for volunteers from the community to help with the event.
More information on the festival can be found online at www.draytonkinsmen.ca, on facebook or by contacting any Kinsmen member.
