Page 19 - DEC2019 BBQNEWS DIGITAL

connect with longtime organizer, Wade Schroeder, who has organized the highly successful and widely respected Smokin’ In Steele BBQ contest held each June in Owa- tonna, Minnesota. With his help, Laurie and Keith brought a KCBS sanctioned backyard, Pro and Kids Que contests to LaCrosse, Wisconsin as a fundraiser for her Rotary Club.
Still not satisfied, Keith and Laurie threw caution (and maybe common sense) to the wind, and in 2019 with the support of BBQ teams and judges, organized their own event – Bring’n Home the Bacon BBQ contest in West Salem allowing them to direct the proceeds directly to the community. Just how successful was it? – 37 Pro teams, 24 backyard teams, 31 SCA teams and 16 Kids Que competi- tors. It was a huge undertaking made possible by their pas- sion for the sport and a dedicated team of volunteers. No one person or couple can do it all. The core team of volun- teers that come together includes Pete and Ruth Schoepp- ner and Kevin and Amy Churchill. Plus, all the many others that jumped into help anywhere they were needed.
It took an amazing amount of work to make all this happen and there were ups and downs along the way. It is doubtful that anyone, except another organizer, truly understands all the time and efforts the Tweten’s have invested in spreading the passion of BBQ. Having a positive attitude and a deep passion for the sport keeps them going. In ad- dition to organizing their events, they are behind the Dells BBQ Bash, the Boomers backyard comp organized by Brady Bergey of Bergey Boys Blazing BBQ, the Death’s Door Kids Que contests in Wisconsin and are sought out by other or- ganizers for their experience and expertise. During our conversation, I kept hearing the words learning, listening, growing, supporting, family and fun. When all that comes together it is easy to understand their success.
the Year and the SCA World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas
There are great moments in BBQ for organizers. That came this year when Chris and Jodi Brueggeman of B.S. Barbeque
from West Salem, Wisconsin won Grand Champion at Bring’n Home the Bacon. Keith and Laurie got to know this team over the last 5 years and let’s just say it was emo- tional for Laurie when she announced the win for Chris, Jodi and their team. Another example the camaraderie and support that showcases what the BBQ family is all about.
What does 2020 hold for these two and the Bring’n Home the Bacon team? First up is a KCBS and SCA judging class being held on April 4th at the Moose Lodge is LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Then, the Bring’n Home the Bacon competition will be held June 26th-27th in West Salem, Wisconsin with a goal of 40 Pro teams, 25 backyard teams, a SCA double, a anything bacon competition, and a Kids Que. For more in- formation on this contest visit bringnhomethebacon.com. You will also find Keith and Laurie on the BBQ trail follow- ing their passion – growing the sport of BBQ.
If you are impressed with the Tweten’s, I know another couple that will equally knock your socks off. Jim and Leona Sallee bring impressive credentials to the competi- tion table with judging or volunteering at over 200 KCBS contests and over 50 SCA contests. They have been SCA reps at 10 contests and are SCA promoters too. Whew! It shouldn’t surprise you that they have won the SCA Pro- moter of the Year award – twice (2017 and 2019)! Jim and Leona get their energy by spending time with all the friends they have made in the BBQ/SCA families. They bring credibility to every event they attend, and they do it with amazing ease and poise.
Their careers and varied backgrounds prepared them for what they are doing now. After successful careers, they weren’t ready to slow down and decided to run a bar for 17 years. The bar taught them about the division of duties which is their secret to success. After selling the bar, they were asked to manage the city’s campground that had fal- tered and needed the skills they could deliver to turn the campground around. Their boundless energy and the fun they are having makes retirement out of the question. It is
Jim and Leona Sallee recognized as Promoter of
DECEMBER 2019
BarbecueNews.com - 17
9