30 WEEKLY 2025
JULY
VOL 3 • NO. 26
A
B A L D W I N
C I T Y
N E W S P A P E R
SMOKE ON THE BRICKS RETURNS FOR A SIZZLING 7TH YEAR IN BALDWIN CITY of the proceeds will support the Baldwin Education Foundation.
In this 2024 photo, a competitor carefully pulls smoked pork butts off the smoker during Baldwin City’s Smoke on the Bricks BBQ contest—capturing the heart (and heat) of the weekend-long celebration of flavor and fire.
Fire up the grills and bring your appetites—Smoke on the Bricks is back for its seventh year, filling the streets of downtown Baldwin City with the sweet, smoky scent of championship barbecue. Hosted by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission and presented by Loyd Builders, this Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition promises a weekend of mouthwatering food, lively entertainment, and fierce cooking competition from Friday, August 8 to Saturday, August 9. A Two-Day BBQ Bash Friday night kicks off with the highly anticipated Taste of Baldwin City, where
guests can purchase “BBQ Bucks” and sample fare from some of the region’s top pitmasters. Local favorite Smokin’ J’s will take the stage at 6:00 p.m., followed by the 80s tribute powerhouse, The Zeros, from 8:00–10:00 p.m. Drinks will be available for purchase, including beer, wine, mixed drinks, and lemonade. Note: Vendors do not accept cash—BBQ Bucks must be used for all purchases. BBQ Bucks are available for advance purchase at the Baldwin City Community Center (712 Chapel Street) beginning Monday, August 4, or can be purchased at the event. Vendors will begin selling BBQ at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and continue until 8:00 p.m. or until sold out. A portion
A Championship Contest Saturday’s KCBSsanctioned BBQ contest is a qualifying event for the American Royal World Series of Barbecue and the Jack Daniels 2025 World Championship, making it a must-compete for seasoned teams. Categories include chicken, ribs, pork, brisket, sausage, and dessert. More than $10,500 in prize money is up for grabs across categories, with Top 10 overall recognized and individual prizes awarded in each category. Judging begins at 11:30 a.m., and the awards ceremony will take place at Baldwin City Beer Company at 3:30 p.m.
Street Closures and Event Logistics To accommodate BBQ teams and event activities, several downtown streets will be closed starting at 6:00 a.m. Friday, August 8, including: High Street from 6th to 9th 8th Street from The Bullpen to Grove 7th Street (alley behind the Library to Grove) These streets will remain closed through Saturday evening and reopen around 5:00 p.m. on August 9. Local businesses are encouraged to plan accordingly and inform patrons of the temporary closures.
A Community Tradition Since 2019 Since its debut in 2019, Smoke on the Bricks has grown into one of Baldwin City’s signature events, drawing BBQ lovers, competitive teams, and music fans from across the region. With live music, a family-friendly atmosphere, and top-tier barbecue, it’s an event that keeps getting bigger—and tastier—every year. For more information and event details, visit www.smokeonthebricks.com or contact BCRC at 785-594-3670. Mark Your Calendars Smoke on the Bricks: Taste of Baldwin City Friday, August 8 6:00–10:00 PM Downtown Baldwin City LIVE MUSIC! Smokin’ J’s (6–7:30 PM), The Zeros (8–10 PM) BBQ available with BBQ Bucks only KCBS BBQ Contest Saturday, August 9 Judging from 11:30 AM Awards at 3:30 PM $10,500 in total prize money Categories: Chicken, Ribs, Pork, Brisket, Sausage, Dessert
NO NEWSPAPER NEXT WEEK:
The Maple Weekly will not publish next week as our team takes a short summer break. We’ll be back with our next issue on Tuesday, August 13. Thank you for your continued support—and we’ll see you soon!