BBQ Bash Organizer Says Grounds are Ready

BBQ Bash organizer Frank Schmer said the grills are ready, the tents are in and the stages are set. "Now all we're waiting for and hoping for is good weather," he said.

This Saturday and Sunday, the 7th annual St. Louis Home Fires BBQ Bash in Wildwood is expected to attract 35,000 to 40,000 barbecue enthusiasts. Shuttle service will be provided from the parking lots of the .

The event is filled with barbecue competitions, springing from seven teams during the first year Schmer hosted it on the parking lot in front of his retail store, to the record-setting 100 teams vying for top spots in eight categories this year.

New to this year's lineup are eating contests, and a laser show at 9 p.m. Saturday evening. Different bands will play to entertain as well.

Being a family-friendly event, there are children's rides and activities as well. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, with the barbecue awards ceremony concluding the event.

Several nonprofits and community service groups will be participating.

Schmer credits Eureka-Wildwood Patch and its readers with being one of the primary reasons the event continued in this year, about the event . Schmer said online comments and the outpour from Patch readers prompted him to reconsider .

Eureka-Wildwood Patch broke the news about plans for the BBQ Bash to be moved to a different venue, and then provided , including .

KMOV-TV broadcast from the event site on Thursday.

Editor's Note:  Come by the Patch booth this weekend to share your suggestions, pick up a balloon and Patch giveaways, and to blog live from the event. We'll be in the exhibitors' section near the and children's rides.