Cooks face off in Polson event

Chad Komlofske of the Mission Valley Elks brushes sauce on baby back ribs.

Head Dude, Bill Barrett and second dude, Kevin Lane, prep the pork for their incredible tacos which won in the Pork category.

| August 10, 2016 11:09 AM

Head Dude, Bill Barrett and second dude, Kevin Lane, prep the pork for their incredible tacos which won in the Pork category.

By MARLA HALL

for the Lake County Leader

The forest fire smoke hanging in the valley may be a bit difficult to handle but the smoke pouring from the grills and smokers at the KwaTaqNuk resort last Saturday was a delight to the senses. Five teams competed in the eighth annual Smokin’ on the Water fundraiser put on by the Polson Chamber of Commerce. The morning hours passed quickly with lots of light hearted challenges and boasts flavoring the air as the secret sauces and ingredients flavored the meats. Ultimately all five teams claimed some bragging rights as each team placed in at least two of the five categories. Head Dude, Bill Barrett, led his Dude team to edge out Mission Mountain Grill Marks for the most overall places and also the People’s Choice Award. Fifteen vendors also added to the event making the hot day a hot place for fun, festivities and of course, great food.