Amateur and professional teams competed to see which barbeque was better at Smoke Wind & Fire in Lethbridge, July 23, 2022 (Photo: LNN)

By Drew Stremick

Fans of all things barbeque come out for ‘Smoke, Wind & Fire’

Jul 24, 2022 | 2:46 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Smoke, Wind & Fire (SWF) barbeque competition took place at the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Grounds over the weekend. The event boasted both amateur and professional barbeque brackets and over a dozen teams took part.

The amateur division had two categories (ribs and chicken), while the professional division had four (ribs, beef brisket, chicken and pork). Teams participating in the competition had their meats scored by certified Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) judges.

Competitor Mark Lindenbach made the decision to start barbequing professionally earlier this year, after 15 years of enjoying it as a hobby at home. Lindenbach says he puts a lot of time into perfecting his craft.

“I like to practice. I’m practicing during the week after work, or on weekends,” said Lindenbach. “I’m always mixing different commercial blends of stuff, or going and making my own rubs and, trying them out and finding the flavours that I like, and then using those in competition.”

Although Lindenbach is only in his first year of competing professionally, he already has his KCBS certification. He says it’s a great way to discover exactly how each piece of meat is scored, and stay humble.

Week-in-review: Municipal election changes, a leadership debate and green bins

Apr 27, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 26, 2024

Apr 26, 2024

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

“You get to try out all sorts of great food that we’re obviously cooking as competitors, but I just came at it from a judging [perspective] to see what I’m being measured to at the end of the day,” explains Lindenbach. “So, I like to compete more because I’m competitive, but I also like to judge, because I get to stay humble, and try out other people’s stuff and pick up things from the judging side.”

Some kebabs slowly cook on a grill at the Smoke, Wind & Fire BBQ competition in Lethbridge, July 23, 2022 (Photo: LNN)

The barbequing community itself is a big reason why fellow competitor Darryl Mattern has continued to compete for the last three years. He says no matter the outcome, he always enjoys himself at competitions.

“It’s like a huge barbeque family,” said Mattern. “You can go into any [team’s] tent and ask for anything, but when it comes down to competing, we get down to seriousness. It’s all for one and one for all. There’s no winners or losers in barbecue as long as you have fun.”

To Mattern, barbequing is something that once you try it, you won’t be able to stop.

“It’s so much fun and once you do one, you’re hooked forever because it is amazing, and you got to come out and enjoy it,” Mattern explained. “There’s nothing like a summer day with friends and family enjoying barbeque.”

Teams were ready to cook with various barbeques and smokers at Smoke Wind & Fire in Lethbridge, July 23, 2022 (Photo: LNN)