Page 20 - DEC2019 BBQNEWS DIGITAL

a natural extension for them to bring their organizational skills and entrepreneurial business sense to the world of the SCA.
So, what makes their SCA contests so special? That’s easy – they listen to the cooks, judges and volunteers and then use that feedback to adapt and improve. Jim and Leona are the promoters for the River City Steak Challenge (a SCA triple held in Mason City, Iowa over the 4th of July week- end) and the Last Chance to the Dance (an SCA quadruple contest) held in Mason City the weekend before the SCA World Championships. Their contests, whether as reps or promoters, are run honestly and ethically while still allow- ing for fun. I have cooked and judged at their contests and I couldn’t agree more. Their contests are special. You can
learn more about both events by following their contests on Facebook.
Putting together a successful SCA event is challenging. Since the ribeyes are provided by the organizer, finding just the right vendor is critical. Jim and Leona partner with Adam Jepson at their local Fareway Foods who provides the ribeyes they need without breaking the budget. Another key partner is the City of Mason City (visitmasoncityiowa.com) and over 20 other supporters and contributors – each one personally recruited by the Sallee’s. Jim and Leona consider themselves blessed with a team they can count on whether they are the contest reps or contest promoters. Their team includes Susan Hanson, Tina Woosley, Ken and Harriet Held, Tom and Cindy Juhl,
Dave and Doreen Kuschel, Glen Kuschel and Spiff and Pat Slifka. And that doesn’t include the many other volunteers and judges that make a SCA event run smoothly. The Sallee’s also use their contest to promote their home city and make sure that the local first responders get to stop by and sample the com- petition steaks after judging is complete. A nice touch that con- nects them to the men and women who serve Mason City. Their efforts in bringing their events to the city and support of the community have been recog- nized with an Excellence in Tourism award by the City of Mason City.
Both the Sallee’s and Tweten’s agree that clear communication with the teams, judges, volun- teers and sponsors is vital for a successful contest. Earning the trust of the teams and judges by running honest, ethical events is what is needed to grow the events year after year. Having fun doesn’t hurt either. Couple all this together with a healthy dose of patience and you are good to go. Leona said it best – “If you don’t like my apples, don’t shake my tree” and Jim fol- lowed with “over 70 – it’s all about the fun”. Words to live by.
In the world of BBQ ... it’s the people you meet ... and the friends you make.
BarbecueNews.com - 18
DECEMBER 2019