This year’s Big Blue River Days are bigger than ever. The festivities allow people to marvel at the stunning cars at the AutoFest Car Show, savor the flavors of the barbecue competition, groove to live music, engage in a friendly pickleball match and watch the kids bounce with joy in the bounce houses.
All of the events take place in downtown Marysville Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1.
Big Blue Barbecue
The Big Blue Barbecue is a highlight of the festival, drawing 25 competitive teams. Several new teams are vying alongside many returning teams for a share of $10,000 in cash prizes.
The barbecue competition is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event. KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts. A sanctioned contest ensures a fair and well-organized event, with certified judges evaluating each team’s entries to crown the best.
M2 Smokin Q BBQ, Topeka, received third place overall in last year’s contest. They are returning this year, hoping to claim the top prize and showcase their award-winning barbecue skills.
Mike and Connie Beene, owners, were originally attracted to the Marysville cook-off because they heard it was well run and the teams received exceptional hospitality.
“It is truly a community event with lots of friendly people,” Mike Beene said. “It’s a great location downtown and everyone is very helpful.”
The Taste of BBQ event allows people the opportunity to taste the barbecue from competing teams. People may purchase Taste of BBQ tickets for $25. The ticket grants access to an array of barbecue dishes; the ticket also allows holders to vote for their top three favorite teams.
The event starts Saturday at 2 p.m.; there are only 250 tickets available.
“People arrive early and line up for this,” said Allie Argo, the event organizer for Marysville Chamber and Main Street, the sponsoring organization. “Once it’s time, people go down the Seventh Street Corridor and fill their clamshell with meat. They always leave with leftovers.”
To assure a ticket, contact the Marysville Chamber and Main Street office, 617 Broadway, or call 785-562-3101.
As the tantalizing aroma of barbecue fills the air, live music further delights the senses.
Live Music
Live Circuit kicks off the musical performances Friday night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m, playing a mix of classic rock from the 1960s through the 1980s.
“We enjoy entertaining crowds of all ages as our song list covers several decades and is widely recognized,” said Mike Wiegers, the group’s bass player and a 1978 graduate of Marysville High School.
Other band members include Don Desmond, guitar and vocals; Pat Powell, vocals; and Kent Conrad, drums.
The Mikey Needleman Band is Friday night’s headliner with a concert starting at 9 p.m.
Their setlist spans seven decades of music and a wide range of genres.
“From classic rock to contemporary hits, we sing songs you know every word to, even those you’ve forgotten,” Needleman said.
Needleman has honed his craft for nearly 18 years, starting as a college student at Kansas State University, where he discovered the market for live entertainment. He’s made the journey from performing in Aggieville bars to building a successful band in Kansas City.
Band members include Needleman, rhythm guitar and lead vocals; Caleb Blacksher, lead guitar; Jake Roemeyer, bass; and Evan Maslak, drums.
“We read the crowd and let the audience’s energy guide the night’s musical journey.” Needleman said.
Saturday’s music starts by showcasing local talent. Sam Stueve, Frankfort, will perform an acoustic set from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Stueve is known for his soulful voice and masterful guitar skills.
Following Stueve’s two-hour concert, The Stolen Winnebagos take the stage. They are a variety band that keeps the dance floor alive with their eclectic mix of music. From Dr. Dre to Johnny Cash, and hits from the 1950s to today, their repertoire includes hip hop, classic rock and modern rock.
Celebrating 20 years of making music together, The Stolen Winnebagos started on a whim during a jam night and quickly became a sought-after band for weddings and events.
Each member brings their unique talent to the stage, creating a lively and memorable experience.
The band members include Colby Gile, bass; Casey Hebberd, guitar; and Jim Breau, drums.
Car Show and More
Another major component of the weekend is the 33rd annual AutoFest. Registration for the car show is Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m., and the car show is from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m.
The entry fee per car is $20, and $500 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top cars. Best of Show wins $500.
Many other activities are planned throughout the weekend.
Cornhole enthusiasts can participate in the Blind Draw Cornhole tournament Friday night at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, the Team Cornhole Tournament, organized by Marshall County Cornhole, will start Saturday at 2 p.m. Cornhole will be played in the grass area east of the Marshall County Health Department, 600 Broadway.
For families, the Kids Zone on Saturday will feature inflatables, a balloon artist and face painting.
On Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., the Marysville Public Library, 1009 Broadway, will host a craft session. The first thirty-nine children who attend will get a free bike bell.
“Big Blue River Days provides fun for everyone,” said Argo. “It’s not just an event, it’s a celebration of community spirit that everyone will remember long after the weekend is over.”
For more information, visit bigblueriverdays.com or contact 785-562-3101.
