Writers, like all artists, sometimes have to suffer for their craft. Several years ago, I started a campground mystery involving a barbecue contest. About a third of the way through, I hit a wall and it has been gathering virtual dust in the nether regions of my computer ever since. Years ago, we attended a number of barbecue contests with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, who are certified judges for the Kansas City Barbecue Society. But due to numerous circumstances, after I started the book, I didn't get to another and plot lines dried up.
But this last weekend, an opportunity for inspiration presented itself. Ken and Harriet were tapped to judge a contest at the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatonna, Minnesota. Saturday included, besides barbecue, a blues fest and classic car show. Camping sites were available on the grounds. So plans were made. My friend Don and I would join the Halds and Ottaways for the weekend. Agatha would stay home this trip and we would take Don's fifth wheel instead. Friday was beautiful; low 70s and brilliant blue skies. Don and I arrived first and found that the 'sites' consisted of a grassy field with power and water hookups scattered willy-nilly. With the host's help, we managed to find a spot with space and hookups for two more units.
It took some finessing when the others arrived to get campers and trucks parked and hooked up, but those are the challenges of 'roughing it.' Soon lawn chairs were out, beverages opened, and a heavy planning discussion held on supper. Although we each probably carried enough food for six weeks, it was decided to sacrifice a night of cooking and try out the food at the venue. There was a 'shuttle bus'--a contraption of park benches mounted on a wagon pulled by a garden tractor--but our timing wasn't right so we walked to the other side of the fairgrounds. The food venue offered varieties of BBQ-brisket, pulled pork, ribs, etc.-plus onion rings, cheese curds and other healthy sides. The only music available at the time was at the indoor beer garden, which required a cover charge, so we opted to return to our campers. The 'sites' did not include either a firepit or picnic table, and since we had all eaten more than our fill, it was an early night.
The weekend forecast for Owatonna included showers on Saturday and we were hoping they would be wrong. They weren't. The off-and-on rain caused the cancellation of the car rally and the outdoor music venues. Fortunately for the judges, the contest judging would be inside. So, after Ken and Harriet left for their duties, the other four of us made a field trip to the large Cabela's located in Owatonna. Lots of outdoor scenery with no rain. While Don and Vince salivated over depth finders, boats, and other fishing gear, Letha and I checked out the clothing and decorative items. We returned to the fairgrounds and made another trip around the venue.
I am always fascinated by the various cooking rigs and team names. I may have been the only attendee, however, who was also keeping an eye out for good hiding places and murder weapons. At least I hope so. Saturday night supper required more self-sacrificing. During their judging duties, Ken and Harriet receive samples of chicken, brisket, ribs and pulled pork. They cut one bite of each as part of the judging and the rest goes into a cooler which they bring back to camp. So we must help them eat that and for our part provide the sides for a sumptuous meal.
I am always fascinated by the various cooking rigs and team names. I may have been the only attendee, however, who was also keeping an eye out for good hiding places and murder weapons. At least I hope so. Saturday night supper required more self-sacrificing. During their judging duties, Ken and Harriet receive samples of chicken, brisket, ribs and pulled pork. They cut one bite of each as part of the judging and the rest goes into a cooler which they bring back to camp. So we must help them eat that and for our part provide the sides for a sumptuous meal.
Sunday morning, after a great breakfast from the Ottaways, we packed up , and dodging a few rainstorms, headed out. Halds and Ottaways continued to a county park near Mankato. Don and I returned to Des Moines to unload. I picked up my car, made a quick visit to see my great-granddaughters (and their parents, of course) and returned home. I needed to be back in order to ready Agatha for a Wednesday departure for Marble Beach State Park at Spirit Lake with the Midwest Glampers. I also have a Mystery Sisters book in progress that involves glamping. More grueling research.
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