One of Bonnyville’s growing summer events is seeking municipal support as organizers of Big Smoke Bonnyville continue to build the annual barbecue competition into a regional tourism attraction.

Representatives appeared before M.D. of Bonnyville council on May 26 seeking a $4,000 sponsorship contribution and a letter of support for the event, which returns to the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre grounds this summer.

Now entering its fifth year, Big Smoke Bonnyville has grown from a local barbecue gathering into a sanctioned Kansas City Barbecue Society competition that attracts competitors from across Alberta and beyond.

Organizers told council the event has expanded steadily since becoming KCBS sanctioned, helping put Bonnyville on the radar for competitive barbecue teams and food enthusiasts.

“What that does is it brings people from potentially across Canada to Bonnyville now,” council heard during the presentation.

More than a barbecue competition

While competitive barbecue remains at the heart of the weekend, organizers said the event has evolved into a broader community festival featuring food vendors, live entertainment, beer gardens and family-friendly activities.

Attendance at last year’s event was estimated between 450 and 600 people, with organizers expecting continued growth as awareness of the festival increases.

Council heard that many competitors and visitors stay in local accommodations, dine at local restaurants and support businesses throughout the community during the event.

Organizers believe the festival has become an important driver of tourism and a unique attraction for the region.

Bringing visitors to Bonnyville

The presentation highlighted the economic benefits of hosting a sanctioned barbecue competition, particularly one that draws teams and visitors from outside the area.

Kansas City Barbecue Society events are relatively uncommon in Western Canada, giving Big Smoke Bonnyville a niche that helps distinguish it from other summer festivals.

The event also relies heavily on volunteers and local partnerships, with organizers crediting community support for the festival’s growth over the past five years.

Request headed back to council

Council did not make a decision on the request during the May 26 meeting.

Instead, council voted to accept the presentation from the Big Smoke Bonnyville group as information and directed administration to bring their specific request for a $4,000 sponsorship contribution and a letter of support back to a future meeting for further consideration.

That means no funding or formal support has been approved at this time, but council will revisit the request after administration prepares a report and recommendation.