Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ

10/26/2025

09/29/2025

Our board met last week to recap this year's success and to start planning for 2026. But before we officially close the books, we’ve got TWO more prizes to give away, thanks to the generous support of Valley United Co-op!

👏 Drumroll please...

🛍️Nathan Rutledge - $25 McCollum Hardware gift certificate
🛒Jason Dorman - $25 Supermarket Foods (Ada) gift certificate

The winners were randomly drawn from the People's Choice participants. Huge thanks to Valley United Co-op for supporting our event and for championing local businesses.

09/09/2025

🏆Recap & Results from the 9th Annual KTMBBQ

We had a mix of weather; some wind and a few sprinkles, but overall, it was a beautiful day! We had another outstanding turnout for the competitions, with 170 community members participating in the People's Choice voting, which highlighted this year's event.

Twenty-three teams competed, including over forty individuals participating. We had great representation from Norman County and teams from around the area, including Fargo-Moorhead, Grand Forks, Pelican Rapids, Hawley, and Mahnomen.

THANK YOU to everyone near and far who supported the KTMBBQ this year, whether it be by competing, attending the event, or purchasing a raffle ticket. All money generated from this event is used to support community projects within Norman County, MN. We'll share more on that later!

Cash Prize Raffle Winners
$1,000 - Roger Stene
$300 - Trent Leshovsky
$200 - Janet Nelson

Custom KTMBBQ Boards
Won by Bobby Visser

Bean Bag Tournament Winners
Christopher and Daunte Yost

🐖Marc Gordon People's Choice Award
Taylor Gaughf (Traveling Trophy)

🐔Chicken Competition
1st - Paul Bergman ($250)
2nd - JT Pfaff ($150)
3rd - Erik Pratschner ($50)

🏆Rib Competition
1st - Nathan Rutledge ($500)
2nd - Brent Jansen & Kirk Spilde ($250)
3rd - Darin Haugen ($100)

09/06/2025

Our head cooks have assembled, and it's time to get the smoke rolling! 🔥

We welcome all community members to the fairgrounds to check out the action!

- 11:00 a.m. Bean Bag Tournament. Stop by the registration booth to sign up. $20/team, payout for top 3 teams.

- 1:00 p.m. People’s Choice Voting – $5 wristband to cast your vote! (Ends at 2:00 p.m.)

- 5:15 p.m. Competition and People’s Choice awards announced.

Raffles throughout the day and a limited supply of KTMBBQ clothing for sale!

09/05/2025

John stopped by KRJB 106.5 FM to talk all things BBQ! Check out his interview here for the full rundown of the event. 🎙

Thank you to KRJB KRJM KKCQ Radio for all they do to support and share information on community events!

Kelly Thronson Memorial BBQ is Saturday
https://rjbroadcasting.com/?p=140835

09/05/2025

A big thanks to McCollum Hardware for being an awesome supporter of the Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ!

Check out the great deal they have going on - this weekend only!!

Good luck to all those competing in the Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ competition on Saturday.🏆

🔥HOT DEAL: Whether you're firing up the smoker to compete or just for fun, we have you covered. ALL in-stock Traeger Pellets and Rubs are on sale this weekend only! Mention this ad to save when you stop in (and stock up) on Traeger Pellets and Rubs!

We hope to see you out at this event and all the other amazing happenings a part of Fun in the Flatlands in Ada this weekend!

09/05/2025

📣KTMBBQ Competitors - committee members will be on site this evening at 6:00 p.m. if you'd like to set up or plan on camping! We will line the midway area at the Norman County Fairgrounds.

One more sleep until the big cook-off! 🙌

Need a refresher on the rules? 🔎 KTMBBQ.com

👉Still want to join the battle? Register online now or in person on Saturday morning!

09/03/2025

There is a lot of fun to be had this Saturday, even if you are not competing! Everyone is welcome to visit the Norman County Fairgrounds to check out the BBQ action!

- 11:00 a.m. Bean Bag Tournament. $20/team, with a payout for the top 3 teams. (Pre-register at KTMBBQ.com)
- 1:00 p.m. People’s Choice Voting – $5 wristband to cast your vote!
- 5:15 p.m. Competition and People’s Choice awards announced.

Plus, tickets for the KTMBBQ raffle ($1,500 in prize money) are still available at McCollum Hardware and Kelly's Chrysler Center, Inc.. All funds raised support community projects within Norman County, MN.

Interested in competing in the BBQ contest? There's still time to register! Find all the details at KTMBBQ.com

09/02/2025

Tracey Pfaff’s (Flatlands BBQ Sauce) reign is nearly over…

On September 6th, the legendary traveling “pig trophy" finds a new home, and YOU get to help decide who claims it!

👉Join us for People's Choice Voting at 1:00 p.m. at the Norman County Fairgrounds. A $5 wristband gets you in to vote!

Think you’ve got what it takes to win it all?
💰Cash prizes for Best Ribs, Best Chicken, and the traveling trophy for People's Choice are on the line!
🔥Register NOW to compete at KTMBBQ.com

08/30/2025

Sneak peak at the boards that will be raffled off the day of the contest! Thank you to Red Barn 94 for such amazing boards!

08/26/2025

Have you ever been referred to as "The Grillfather," "Smoke Boss," "Grillmaster," "Pulled Pork Prophet," or "Queen of the Cue"?

Now it's time to PROVE IT.👊 Join us on Saturday, Sept. 6th in Ada, MN! 🐖🔥

👉Register Here: ktmbbq.com

**Register by Monday, Sept. 1, for a chance to win back your registration fee!**

All proceeds from this event will support community projects throughout Norman County, Minnesota.

08/21/2025

We're tossing bags while the BBQ smoke is rolling! Don't miss out, pre-register for the Bean Bag Tournament online now at ktmbbq.com.

📅Saturday, Sept. 6
⏰11:00 AM Start
👉$20 per team
💰Top 3 payout