MARSHALL, Minn. - The ninth annual Southwest Minnesota State University Smokefest BBQ Contest will take place on Aug. 21-22, on the campus of SMSU at the Schwan Regional Event Center. The event will once again be in conjunction with the city of Marshall's "Sounds of Summer" celebration. Enjoy a great time with friends with excellent food, games and much more!
 
The Smokefest Carnival will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with inflatables, face painting, balloon shapers and more. The vending area will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. serving great food, including authentic BBQ provided by HyVee.
 
Again this year, SMSU Athletics will be showing a movie on the video board at the Schwan Regional Event Center. The hit movie "McFarland USA" will be played starting at 7:30 p.m.
 
Following the movie, the popular "Johnny Holm Band" will take the stage and perform from 9 p.m. to midnight.
 
The Mustang Booster Club will also hold its annual "Kickoff Picnic" from 6:30 to 7:30 on Friday night. Individuals will have the opportunity to sign-up for the Mustang Booster Club or purchase season tickets for SMSU football, volleyball, basketball and wrestling. Current or potential Booster Club members are invited. 
 
All events for the night are free and open to the public.
 
The SMSU Smokefest has twice been honored with the NCAA Division II Community Engagement Award of Excellence, which is awarded to schools that emphasizes not only the relationship of the athletics program with the community but also the interaction of the overall institution with the community in which it is located.

All events will take place at the Schwan Regional Event Center and REC parking lot

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2015
5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.          Beverage Garden Open
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.            Smokefest Carnival (Inflatables, Face Painting, Balloon Shapers and more…)
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.            Vending Area Open (Authentic BBQ provided by HyVee)                    
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.            Mustang Booster Club Kickoff Picnic
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.            Movie – McFarland USA (Free of Charge)                    
9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.          Johnny Holm Band (Free of Charge)
 
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2015
12:00 p.m.                              Smokefest Judging Begins
4:00 p.m.                                Awards

The annual "Sounds of Summer" city of Marshall celebration is also going on from Aug. 19-22. It is also the Marshall Fire Department 125th Anniversary! For more information go to marshallsoundsofsummer.com/\