Written By Olena Riznyk
PARKHILL - The Parkhill Fair Grounds played host to a vibrant and well-attended community celebration on Saturday, June 14, as the inaugural BogLine SmokeShow brought together barbecue culture, live entertainment, and classic vehicles for a full day of summer festivities.
Dozens of visitors arrived to take part in the first edition of what organizers hope will become an annual tradition. The event offered a dynamic blend of culinary experiences, music, family-friendly attractions, and high-octane automotive displays.
Barbecue was the central focus of the festival. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed a wide selection of smoked meats prepared by local and regional vendors using specialized outdoor cooking equipment. Among the standout features was the public debut of “Black Betty,” a custom-built smoker created by the event’s organizers. The menu included crowd favourites such as pulled pork, ribs, chicken wings, sausages, and bacon-wrapped meatballs.
The SmokeShow also hosted two judged barbecue competitions: one focused on burgers, the other open to freestyle barbecue creations. In contrast to traditional contests where only judges sample the food, these competitions were intentionally designed to engage the public. Winners were later recognized during an on-stage awards ceremony.
In addition to food, the event offered an extensive classic car and motorcycle exhibition, which featured more than 300 vehicles. Guests had the opportunity to view restored hot rods, vintage cruisers, and custom motorcycles — a major draw for both casual visitors and automotive enthusiasts.
Live music played throughout the day, with performances by a range of local artists and bands across multiple genres. From acoustic sets to full rock bands, the entertainment kept the crowd energized and engaged.
Families enjoyed a dedicated children’s area offering a variety of activities for younger attendees, while motorsport fans gathered to watch an afternoon burnout show, adding an extra dose of excitement and adrenaline to the schedule.
According to one of the event’s founders and co-owner of BogLine BBQ, the festival was designed to share a passion for live-fire cooking and Southern-style hospitality. “We’re heavily influenced by Texas barbecue and really want to bring that culture to Canada,” he said.
Given the strong turnout and overwhelmingly positive response, organizers confirmed that the next BogLine SmokeShow will take place on June 20, 2026 — again at the Parkhill Fair Grounds.
With its winning combination of food, music, motors, and community, the BogLine SmokeShow has established itself as a standout addition to Parkhill’s summer calendar.
