Smoke On The Water’s 2024 beneficiary Keegan Schnell of Lynnville holds a $20,000 check representing the amount raised in his honor Saturday. He is surrounded by his mother Jodi on the left, sister Makenna, and father Jer.
Attendees, competitors, and organizers of 2024’s Smoke On The Water BBQ Competition and Benefit held at Old Settlers Park in Lynnville left the event on Saturday, Aug. 24, with full stomachs and even fuller hearts. The event featured 18 teams of BBQ enthusiasts who churned out mouth-watering BBQ, drew approximately 500 guests who came out in support, and raised $20,000 for Keegan Schnell and family.
The fun started Friday night with teams rolling in and setting up camp at Old Settlers Park. SOTW board members led a team meeting relaying rules and competition turn-in times with meat distribution following. SOTW provided the meat for the four categories – chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket.
The surprise mystery meat, goat leg roast, courtesy of Boer Certified, was also announced. The 18 teams got right to work Friday night on what would soon become award-winning, delicious BBQ.
On Saturday, the mercury rose, along with the heat blasting from the smokers and grills. A KidsQ competition got the youngest BBQ enthusiasts involved to kick off Saturday’s activities. Amanda Van Zante lent her vocal talents for singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at noon. Jer Schnell, father of Keegan, led the opening prayer. Teams continued to work throughout the day, perfecting their recipes and plating their finished product to turn into a lucky panel of judges, that had the tough task of sampling each portion in the six categories - also including a side dish. The crowd grew as the hours ticked by, and at 4 p.m., SOTW board members estimate nearly 500 people were in attendance when the public tasting started. Attendees quickly satisfied their appetites as they walked from tent to tent sampling the some of the best BBQ around. Throughout the day, the Killduff Hotshots 4-H Club sold baked goods, snow cones, and beverages, and Zimm’s Kettle Corn was available for sale. The Killduff Hotshots donated half of their proceeds, $720, to Keegan at the end of the night.
Awards were announced at 5 p.m., with the Backroad BBQ team taking Grand Champion honors. The Chester’s Twisted Que team came in second in three meat categories to earn the title of Reserve Champions. See the next column on this page for the full list of winners. Following the drawing of the 50/50 raffle won by Mia Van Zante, the live auction took place with local auctioneer Rylan James calling out bids on a wide range of items. The night concluded with a $20,000 check presentation to Keegan and family and evening entertainment by Tyler Richton and The High Bank Boys.
Smoke On The Water is a BBQ competition sanctioned by the Iowa BBQ Society and a benefit whose mission is to raise money for a family in the community facing a medical hardship. Keegan Schnell, son of Jer and Jodi Schnell of Lynnville and this year’s beneficiary, is a miraculous testimony of prayer, patience, and perseverance, as he continues on the road to recovery. In late October 2023, Schnell’s small intestine twisted and cut off blood supply to its main mesenteric artery, leading to the diagnosis of Short Bowel Syndrome. At the end of the night, SOTW board members presented the $20,000 check to the Schnell family to help offset ongoing medical costs. This generous donation to the Schnell family was made possible thanks to generous donors, auction proceeds, and teams donating prize money back to the cause.
The Schnell family expressed gratitude for the community’s prayers and incredible turnout at Saturday’s event. “Thank you to all the incredible volunteers, teams, sponsors, donors, and everyone who helped make Smoke On The Water a success,” said Jodi. “Your support, whether through kind words, prayers, or just being there, means so much to us. We are truly grateful for the love and generosity of this amazing community.”
Smoke On The Water has raised over $170,000 for a local family facing a medical hardship in its 11-year history. Organizers are already making plans for next year’s event.
Winners of the 11th Annual Smoke On The Water BBQ competition are as follows:
Grand Champion: Backroad BBQ.
Reserve Champion: Chester’s Twisted Que.
Chicken: 1st – BBQ Pit Bros, 2nd – Chester’s Twisted Que, 3rd – Boots BBQ.
Ribs: 1st – Backroad BBQ, 2nd – Chester’s Twisted Que, 3rd – Bearded Bandits BBQ.
Pork: 1st – Bucknutz BBQ, 2nd – Boots BBQ, 3rd – L-S Admin.
Brisket: 1st – Limp Brizkit BBQ, 2nd – Chester’s Twisted Que, 3rd – BBQ Pit Bros.
Mystery Meat (Goat): 1st – Last Minute BBQ, 2nd – McDonald Family BBQ, 3rd – Low & Slow BBQ.
Side Dish: 1st – Murphy’s Law, 2nd – Down Under BBQ, 3rd – Sheets BBQ.
KidsQ Jr. Division: 1st – Thea Shain, 2nd – Elaina Bishop, 3rd – Brogan Naniot.
KidsQ Senior Division: 1st – Braden McDonald, 2nd – Brilee McDonald, 3rd – Daisy McMahan
