32 Blue Springs City Guide
2012
The Examiner
COMMUNITY
• Fall Fun Festival
It’s a fun-for-all
Each year, the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival brings more than 100,000 people to downtown. This year’s festival is Sept. 14, 15 and 16, and the theme is “Peace, Love and Rock and Roll.” That theme will not only be carried throughout the weekend, but also during the parade. Individuals, businesses, clubs and
organizations, as well as the marching bands from Blue Springs and Blue Springs South high schools participate in the parade. Musicians play on two stages. The main stage in the beer garden hosts the headliner bands, while the community stage hosts the karaoke contest finals, local bands and dance groups. The festival also includes a children’s area, petting zoo, carnival and more than 280 food, craft and service vendors. Treats include the Timothy Lutheran Steakburger, BBQ Sunday, turkey legs and the traditional funnel cakes. For more information, visit the website at www.bluespringsfallfestival. com or call 816-228-6322. – Kelly Evenson
• Barbeque Blaze Off
A hot time in the old town Started in 1984, the Barbeque Blaze Off is one of the oldest barbecue contests in a fourstate area. The only other contests that are older are the American Royal and Great Lenexa BBQ contests. The 2012 Blaze Off is Sept. 7 and 8 at the Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex. The weekend starts with the opening ceremony, followed by the Buck-A-Bone Public BBQ tasting, live entertainment and then the barbeque judging on Saturday afternoon. This year’s theme is “Pigs Just Wanna Have Fun.” The Blaze Off features separate contests for chicken, pork ribs, pork butt or shoulder, beef brisket, sausage, dessert and the Kid-Q. However, only brisket, pork, chicken and pork ribs will count toward the overall grand championship. In addition, the team voted “most The Examiner file photos enthusiastic” will receive an award. For more information, visit the BBQ Blaze Off website at www.bluespringsblazeoff.com. – Kelly Evenson