Thousands expected downtown for BBQ, crafts

Nov. 1—There may be no other place to be in the East Valley next weekend than downtown Mesa.

That's because visitors can sample — and judge — the work of some of the best barbecue masters in the Valley and from across the United States competing for big bucks and then they can feast their eyes on skilled crafts people at work.

Both the Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic and Tempe-based Deep Stories' CRAFT event will be held Nov. 3-4 and are hosted by the Downtown Mesa Association, a nonprofit that works to elevate the growth and economic fortunes of the square-mile heart of the city.

The barbecue event — a competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society — could draw at least 5,000 people downtown, the association said.

And with a concert featuring a variety of musical genres coming Saturday as part of the craft extravaganza, figure on thousands more gravitating to downtown Mesa.

Here are the details on both events:

Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic

So-called "pitmasters" from across the country have signed up to battle each other in the "one-meat challenge" and a "four-meat master's series competition."

At least 39 teams are signed up for the contest, which includes $10,000 that will be divvied up among winners in several categories.

"We're thrilled to bring pitmasters from around the country to Downtown Mesa," said Nancy Hormann, president of the Downtown Mesa Association.

"This event is free for spectators, and we encourage the community to come out and enjoy great barbecue while the teams battle it out for the grand prize."

From 5-9 p.m. Friday, the teams will participate in a one-meat pork ribs competition.

The four-meat masters' series on Saturday will be judged by certified KCBS judges, the mayor, council members and community leaders.

The awards will be presented Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, the community can participate in judging the BBQ pitmasters and food trucks by "forking" over $20 to get 10 two-ounce samples or one rib bone.

"We hope to see the community fill the streets of Downtown Mesa on Saturday," said Hormann. "Everyone can get in on the fun by tasting various food trucks and voting for the best."

While the Mesa Downtown Association is the producer, it got big support from sponsors Ting Internet and Caliber.

Hormann said the event — the first of its kind in downtown Mesa — was the brainchild of former association board chair Kevin Broeckling, who was a certified Kansas City BBQ Society judge.

Broeckling, who retired early this year as president of Benedictine University and has moved to Kansas, is returning to Mesa for the weekend as a judge.

"He showed us how this could be a lot of fun and bring something unique to Downtown Mesa," said. "As there were no other BBQ competitions scheduled for Arizona, we thought it would be cool to bring one here.

"We applied to the Kansas City BBQ Society for a sanctioned event, and we were accepted," Hormann added. "They have helped us throughout the process."

Hormann said that because so many pitmasters are competing, "we will need approximately 40 judges."

She said the city officials who are participating as judges had to take a course offered by the society and that now they are certified, they can travel to barbecue competitions around the nation.

Hormann also said the fact that Mesa's event is a first-time competition sparked the interest of society members.

She added that at least 15 competitors have signed up for the people's choice component but that advance tickets have been going fast.

"If there are any still available, they will be on sale at the competition for $20," she said, adding that the people's choice competitors will be stationed on MacDonald from Main Street to 1st Avenue and the parking lot behind the buildings.

To get tasting tickets, go to Eventbrite.com and search by "Mesa barbecue."

CRAFT

CRAFT, organized by Tempe-based event and festival planner Deep Stories, is billed as a "celebration showcasing the state's diverse artist communities."

It will include "galleries, interactive experiences, demonstrations, performances with creative minds representing all forms of artistic expression."

"We're thrilled to kick off the inaugural CRAFT celebration," said David DeCorpo, president of Deep Stories. "This event is bringing true craftsman to Mesa with unique demonstrations while celebrating the City of Mesa's cultural development."

On Friday, the CRAFT Walk "is a free roaming event," said DeCorpo. "It's the perfect date night or family night out to meet great talented artists. CRAFT Walk will be an introduction to Saturday's CRAFT — Life of a Craftsman Arts and Craft Concert."

On Saturday, The Post at 26 N. Macdonald and Mesa Amphitheatre at 263 N. Center St., will host the big events.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy live demonstrations, galleries, interactive experiences and more at The Post.

The CRAFT Concert feature classic rock, alternative rock, and country blues.

Free shuttles will transport visitors between the amphitheater and downtown Mesa from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.