06/08/2026
Wow. I know this is a long read. But I hope you'll take a few minutes for me this morning.
I spent all of yesterday cleaning up with some of the best people I know thinking of what to say about Feastfest 2026.
Thank you will never be enough. What started as a promise to my team of friends, of a leisurely day of grilling in the sun enjoying some beverages, turned into one of the most incredible days of my life.
Thank you to all of our amazing vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and musicians. Feastfest 2026 was largely a success with SO much learned to make it better. I apologize to guests that had to wait as the turnout was just so much more that we could ever have anticipated even with the pre-sale tickets.
We will make changes and improvements to help guest and vendor experience from everything we learned. But the decision is final. FEASTFEST 2027 is in the works already
This was only an idea from me. YOU all did this.
My best guess is that YOU fed somewhere between 600 and 700 guests and cooked somewhere between 1200 and 1400lbs, (yes you read that correctly) of meat.
We had fire department presence for the entire day, but the firefighter was Tammy Frazier Stilts. She is topographer, vendor coordinator, volunteer coordinator, concierge, prep cook, and even found time to wash dishes. She's been my right hand since the beginning of Papa's Patties and never stopped or hesitated when asked to be a part of Feastfest.
Tyler Stickler, Stickbuilt Welding. Is not only an amazing craftsman, designer, welder. He is an incredible human being, that I'm proud to call a friend. He opened his shop and home to me and poured his heart into what he has named "super grill" for weeks. With any other business, it would've ended there with a handshake. Instead, he was there alongside us every second. For 12 hours of Feastfest, he wasn't off the grill for more than 10 minutes. I apparently earned the name "Houdini" because my disappearing act was so good.
My mom Colleen McLean Gruver, held the buffet together. When the rush was SO overwhelming that super grill, two commercial cookers, and 3 big green eggs couldn't keep up, she held/calmed the line. She put in hours of setup, even though the correct buffet shape is still up for discussion.
Jess Sandstrom, Kayla Yoder, Jason Bump, I can't begin to thank KC101 Hometown Country enough. A phone call asking to purchase a marketing package was met with a complete partnership with no questions asked. They didn't just run radio ads. Every meeting, hours of sponsorship requests, planning and logistical advice, fielding messages and comments. They are the only choice I will ever make for media.
Doug Joseph what you bring to the table with BBQ is immeasurable. You the ONLY call I'd ever make to provide what you do. If you want to bring Guy next year, thats ok. But you are on the list first.
TaylorRae Jones and Paula Hall Jones put so much into merchandise and signage. Every step of the way, they were by my side as they always are for our community.
Jeffrey Woodruff, Country Valley Meats unfortunately we missed our 1pm butcher demonstration because while Jeff's left arm blistered with second degree burns from the fire, his right never stopped slicing cooked meats for hours during the rush. We even found time for him to do the 5pm demo for a great crowd.
Mike Todd Morehouse thanks for trying to cut your fingers off a couple years ago. You show up every time I ask, setting your own work aside to help make things happen for us. We'll have to discuss a pay raise soon.
Tyler Foster I never even made it to see the full show, but I know that field was full of amazing hot rods and bikes. Next year we go even bigger!
Amber D Brarens and Jane’s Love & Joy put on a great raffle and 50/50! Congratulations to all the winners!
Peter Kutbay spent at least 8 hours capturing everything for us and I know what he has will be nothing short of amazing.
There are hundreds of people I could/should tag. For everything you've all done, thank you so much. We'll see everyone at Feastfest 2027.
