IWP Backyard BBQ Showdown

The Invisible Wounds Project presents the 2025 Backyard Barbecue Showdown and People’s Choice Contest!

When: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Where: Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack

15201 Running Aces Blvd, Columbus, MN

What: Backyard BBQ Chicken and Ribs event and People's Choice Ribs and Sides. This contest will run in conjunction with the Invisible Wounds Project Cruise "IN" For Heroes Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, and the Freedom Fest concert featuring national country star Clay Walker. The car show and parking lot music will take place during the BBQ contest, and the Clay Walker concert happens in the evening. Come show off your BBQ skills while helping us raise money for a great cause. The Invisible Wounds Project provides support to current and former military, police, fire, EMS, frontline medical staff, corrections, 911 dispatch and their immediate families related to mental health, PTSD, and suicide issues. Help us give back to those who give the most.

Cost: $200 per team

All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Invisible Wounds Project

Payouts are as follows:

Chicken Payout

1st ) $150

2nd ) $125

3rd ) $100

4th ) $75

5th ) $50

6th ) $50

7th ) $50

Ribs Payout

1st ) $150

2nd ) $125

3rd ) $100

4th ) $75

5th ) $50

6th ) $50

7th ) $50

Overall Chicken & Ribs

1st ) $250

2nd ) $175

3rd ) $150

4th ) $100

5th ) $75

People’s Choice Ribs

1st ) $250

2nd ) $125

3rd ) $100

4th ) $75

5th ) $50

People’s Choice Sides

1st ) $150

2nd ) $100

3rd ) $75

4th ) $50

5th ) $50

• A 10’x20’ parking lot space is provided for each team. If more space is needed, please

email randerson3472@gmail.com.

• 8 to 12 racks of ribs will be provided for each team to cook and serve for

People’s Choice. If your team chooses to cook additional racks of ribs, those must be

provided on your own. judged NON-KCBS Ribs

and Chicken turn in (6 portions each – not provided).

• There will be no water or electricity on site.