Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – During the November 20 council meeting, Nick Ince, co-owner of The Bog Line Smoke Show, presented a new upcoming event to council, set to bring an exhilarating mix of competition, community spirit, and delicious food to the area.
While traditional barbecue competitions often focus on the judging of ribs, Nick and his team have decided to rethink the entire experience. Drawing from his own experiences at the World Barbecue Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, Nick realized that the public rarely gets to enjoy the food being cooked at these events. At the Smoke Show, attendees will not only be able to watch teams compete but also sample the delicious creations and vote on their favourites.
The festival will feature live-fire cooking demonstrations with whole animals being prepared over open flames, including a whole hog, whole lamb, and even a steer. These long, traditional cooking methods will be demonstrated by barbecue celebrities from Texas and Alberta. Educational classes will also be offered, covering topics like fire management, flavour development, and techniques for slow-cooked meats.
In addition to the food and entertainment, the event will feature a beer tent and a vendor section. There will be a special area for kids, including bouncy castles, movies on a big screen, and activities in the arena. The event is scheduled for June 14, 2025, just before Father’s Day weekend, and organizers hope to make it an annual tradition.
Nick’s goal is not only to create an event that celebrates barbecue culture but also to give back to the community. The Bog Line Smoke Show is being organized as a non-profit entity, with the proceeds going directly to support local schools in North Middlesex. Nick has already reached out to the Local School Advisory Committee to ensure that the funds will benefit students in a meaningful way. Each school will receive support tailored to its needs.
Moreover, the event will raise funds for other important community causes, such as the Strathroy Hospice and the development of a band shell at the park— a space that could be used for future community events, including festivals like the Blue Grass Festival and concerts hosted by the Optimist Club.
Nick’s hope is that this event will not only highlight the art of barbecue but also serve as a catalyst for tourism in North Middlesex. By promoting traditional cooking methods and bringing together people from across Ontario, the Smoke Show will put North Middlesex on the map as a hub for culinary creativity and community connection.
