DESCRIBED as a backyard pit master competition and a festival of flavour, Smoke on the Water will start its six-city Murray River tour in Swan Hill.
The May 5 event at Riverside Park event is being promoted as a way to encourage local businesses from both sides of the river and embracing the local produce.
A big drawcard will be the grill competition, an Australian Barbecue Alliance-sanctioned event.
In four categories, teams of four people will compete for first prize, comprising $1500 cash, other prizes, trophies and free entry into November’s grand final in Wodonga.
The grand final winners will receive $5000 and a trip for two to Texas.
Smoke on the Water manager Steve Timmis said it was an opportunity to not just tell mates about barbecue or smoker skills, but to show the wider community.
“You would be surprised how many people have smokers in their backyard,” Mr Timmis said.
“There will also be 30-odd market stalls, which will be rubs, knives, barbecues, smokers and all that sort of thing.
“As we roll into the evening there will be flame twirlers and fireworks.
“There will also be live entertainment throughout the day.
“It is a family event, it’s a Sunday, and that is why we are having fireworks and the whole thing will be over by 8 o’clock.”
In addition to the general entry there will be some extra events available, at an extra fee, such as the Dreamtime Tucker Experience hosted by Tamara Marshall, an Indigenous chef from Mildura, who will conduct five full-hour interactive experiences.
One of her signature dishes will be “KFC”, Koori Fried Cod, along with what Ms Marshall calls native food fusion.
Swan Hill Mayor Stuart King said the event would be interactive.
“It’s not just about coming down and having a chew, it’s more than just a smoked meat festival,” Cr King said.
“If you fancy yourself has a great meat smoker, then have a crack at the competition.
“I think it is great that spaces like Riverside Park can be activated with new events that are high-quality and provide something different for the community, particularly great family events as we have a fantastic park here.
“You have to mix it up to keep people interested. To have a blend of the commercial guys and the opportunity for community members to be involved in competitions and a bit of fun should make it a great event.”
