Seventh annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally deemed ‘a huge success’ by organizers

Thousands of people from all throughout the region packed into Yelm City Park on Saturday, July 25, for one shared interest — the desire for barbecue.

The seventh annual Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally brought 15 different food truck vendors to Yelm City Park from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Dan Nicholson, event organizer, said the event was as good as it’s ever been.

“I feel like it was a huge success. Every year, we think we’re making some great changes — bigger and better, year after year,” Nicholson said, on Monday, July 27. “I’m super happy with the way it went. From the feedback I’ve received, it seems like everybody had a great time and the vendors did well. I’d say it was great. It was fun. It was awesome.”

Throughout the variety of food vendors at the barbecue rally, you could find tasty treats like smoked salmon, turkey legs, hot dogs, traditional barbecue, Hawaiian barbecue, comfort food, ice cream, coffee and more.

Of all the different food vendors in attendance, Yelm’s Steele Barrel BBQ brought home the people’s choice award for best barbecue. Additionally, in the Amateur Andy competition, “Hogs, Hens and Heifers” won the grand championship by just two points. Rob’s Smoking Grill and Barbecue was crowned reserve champion.

“The crowds, I feel, were as big, if not bigger, than previous years,” Nicholson said. “The entertainment was amazing. The kids’ activities were on point. YARD helps a lot with the kids’ activities and they did a great job. Living Water Church brings out bounce houses and kids’ activities, and they really brought their A-game this year. They did a great job working together.”

Nicholson was also thankful for the help of Stephanie Kangiser, Yelm City Council and business owner, for her work leading the charge with volunteers for the annual event. He claimed she organized over 50 volunteers to help at the barbecue rally throughout the day.

“This is an all hands on deck event. We start working on this in October, November,” Nicholson said. “Everybody that’s anybody who’s involved with the community is involved with this event. We have an amazing committee spanning from city council members, chamber members,c community members, businesses, small businesses, non-businesses. There’s a lot of people involved who play an integral part in this event.”

Nicholson added that the event also wouldn’t be able to operate smoothly without its sponsors, like Lucky Eagle Casino, 507 Taproom and Filling Station, Uptown Lounge, D-Zines and more.

Despite the great success of the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally in its seven iterations, Nicholson noted he gets the same nervousness each year during the morning of the event — pondering if it will be successful or not.
He said his nervousness was answered by about 11:30 a.m.

“There’s points throughout the day by the food vendors where you can barely walk through there. We love seeing that,” Nicholson said. “Shelley and I put our heart and soul into this event. We have since we thought it up eight years ago. Even though it is a lot of work and does create some stress, we absolutely love the way it went.”

Nicholson added that the event lucked out and was able to avoid any rain or windy weather throughout the day, despite unpromising forecasts in different weather apps.

“Rain can really put a damper on the event, but it all worked out,” Nicholson said.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in becoming involved with the organization of the Nisqually Valley Barbecue Rally, Nicholson said to reach out to Yelm Chamber of Commerce with your inquiry.

“We could always fit you in somehow as a volunteer,” Nicholson said. “There’s lots of opportunities for vendors or sponsorships. You name it. There’s something for everybody to become involved with this event, and that’s really what we want. Just reach out and we’ll be sure to fit you in.”