Iowa Pork Producers rally community for a successful third annual event at Principal Park
The third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) in partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Fareway Stores, brought together hundreds of Iowans at Principal Park on June 21 — all in support of a great cause. This year’s event raised over $20,000 to benefit food banks across Iowa.
“Events like BBQ & Brew show how strong our communities are when we come together for a common cause,” said Doug Gruver, IPPA board member. “Whether it’s raising food or raising funds, we’re proud to serve Iowans beyond the farm.”
The family-friendly event featured 24 backyard barbecue teams competing for $12,000 in prize money across three pork categories: loin, ribs, and butt. Fareway Stores generously donated all pork used in the competition, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to Iowa communities and hunger relief.
Attendees enjoyed free pork samples from contributors including the Ames and Beaverdale Fareway Meat Markets, Story County Pork Producers, Iowa Machine Shed, and BBQ enthusiast Joe Osbrink. The event also included live music, family games, and BBQ bootcamp sessions led by Netflix “Barbecue Showdown” champion Thyron Mathews, alongside pitmasters Josh DeWitt and Jeremy Williams.
🔥 Competition Highlights
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Grand Champion: Backroad BBQ (Ames)
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Reserve Grand Champion: Brown Dog BBQ (Stuart)
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People’s Choice: Slap Your Bacon BBQ (Ankeny)
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Also secured a $1,000 donation for the North Polk Comet Cupboard in Polk City
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“Food insecurity doesn’t take a summer break,” said pantry director Dixie Bequeaith. “This donation came at a time of real need and will go a long way in helping our community.”
🏆 Category Winners
Pork Loin
🥇 Community Choice Credit Union BBQ (Johnston)
🥈 Nobody BBQ (Owatonna, MN)
🥉 Brown Dog BBQ (Stuart)
Pork Ribs
🥇 Two Old Guys Rubbin Butts (Ames)
🥈 Backroad BBQ (Ames)
🥉 Notourious BBQ (Mt. Ayr)
Pork Butt
🥇 Slap Your Bacon BBQ (Ankeny)
🥈 I’d Smoke Dat BBQ (Des Moines)
🥉 Backroad BBQ (Ames)
Judges’ Top Pick: Pork & Pints (Grinnell)
