Jackson MN Hometown Backyard BBQ Throwdown

08/01/2026

Today is the day! 🔥🍖

The Backyard BBQ Contest is here!

Come on out and visit with the BBQ teams as they fire up some incredible entries. Then, don't miss the People's Choice Tasting at 4:00 PM under the tent by the Mann Building.

For just $5, you'll get to sample BBQ from every team and help decide the People's Choice winner!

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, New Fashion Pork and Jackson Motorplex, for helping make this event possible.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and come enjoy some of the best BBQ around. We'll see you at the fair!

07/31/2026

07/31/2026

Good morning!

Here is the information for the Backyard BBQ Contest at the Jackson County Fair on Saturday, August 1.

Please enter the fairgrounds through the main entrance. When you arrive at the gate, let the ticket attendants know you are with the BBQ Contest.

Once inside the fairgrounds, head east until you reach the black fence. Go through the fence, then turn right. We will be setting up on the east side of the fence, in the first two rows on the south side. There will be signs posted to help guide you.

I've also attached an aerial map of the contest area along with the contest schedule for your reference.

We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions or need assistance finding the contest area, please call me at 605-261-4330.

Thanks again,

Nathan Peterson

07/21/2026

🔥 The competition is heating up! 🔥

We're excited for the Backyard BBQ Throwdown at the Jackson County Fair on Saturday, August 1st!

Six teams have already registered, and we can't wait to see them fire up their smokers. We hope even more teams will join the competition!

Think you have what it takes to be crowned the Backyard BBQ Champion?

🥩 Sign up today by following the link below!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the fair for a day of great food, friendly competition, and fun!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSft5-pIkpQ1sxF8ghbPYnIXMKF0v58p22YZLM6u7xUgSvYYnQ/viewform

07/12/2026

🔥 Do You Have What It Takes to Be the Backyard BBQ Champion? 🔥

Fire up the smoker and join us for the Jackson County Fair Backyard BBQ Contest on Saturday, August 1, 2026!

Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just love cooking great barbecue, this backyard competition is a fun way to test your skills and enjoy a great day at the fair.

Make it a BBQ weekend! Come over Friday night and settle in before the competition.

⛺ FREE camping with electric hookups is available for all BBQ teams!

While you're here, enjoy everything the Jackson County Fair has to offer: 🏁 Racing Friday night at the Jackson Motorplex 🎸 Live band in the Fair Beer Garden 🎡 The Jackson County Fair with great food, rides, exhibits, entertainment, and fun for the whole family!

🏆 Categories & Turn-In Times: 🍗 Chicken — 2:00 PM 🥩 Ribs — 3:00 PM 🥓 People's Choice Pork Loin — 4:00 PM

💲 Entry Fee: $125 per team
👥 Limited to 30 teams
⏰ Cook's Meeting: 6:00 AM Saturday
📍 Jackson County Fairgrounds – Jackson, Minnesota

🏅 Awards will be presented to the Top 3 teams in each category and the Top 3 Overall.

Bring your family, your friends, and your best BBQ. Spend the weekend camping, enjoying the fair, and competing for trophies, prizes, and bragging rights!

📋 Register today at JacksonCountyFairMN.com

Tag your BBQ crew and let us know who's ready to compete! 🔥🐖🍖

05/17/2026

There are two ways to register:

Google Form:

https://forms.gle/wsPH7jcEYty4XngT9

Google doc:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PzTWxFwDaN9TTuLELViB_CuX2NLRngN6uxDdufbPgcg/edit?usp=sharing

05/17/2026

We have launched the official Facebook of the Jackson County Fair Backyard BBQ Contest.

Two ways to register

https://forms.gle/wsPH7jcEYty4XngT9

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PzTWxFwDaN9TTuLELViB_CuX2NLRngN6uxDdufbPgcg/edit?usp=sharing