Celebrate Pork and Fight Food Insecurity at BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark

The 2nd Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark will take place this Saturday, June 22 at Principal Park in Des Moines. Attendees can consume plenty of delicious Iowa pork offerings, taste craft Iowa beers and ciders, learn barbecue tips from a grill master, vote for their favorites in the Backyard Contest BBQ, meet local celebrities and attend concerts.

Proceeds from BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark will also benefit Iowa food banks, which are struggling to meet demand from families in need.

“In the state of Iowa, we are seeing an increase in food insecurity,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director of the Iowa Food Bank Association. “Pork is a very valuable protein and every ounce makes a difference. 10 percent of Iowans are food insecure. The Iowa Food Bank Association works with 1,200 food pantries across the state of Iowa and six food banks. We all work to help serve, and we couldn’t do it without friends like the Iowa Pork Producers and everyone who donates.

The second annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark begins at 2 p.m. and is sure to be a fun afternoon for the whole family. Presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the Iowa Cubs, there is something for everyone at this event.

Thirty backyard barbecuers will compete to win more than $10,000 in cash prizes. Attendees will be able to sample the competitors’ delicious pork, and Smokey D’s BBQ & Berkwood Farms will provide grilled pork loin sandwiches, and 15 beer samples from Iowa’s best craft breweries will be available. Netflix Barbecue Showdown champion Thryon Mathews, an Iowa resident, will offer grilling tips at his barbecue boot camp.

Ed Wilson, chief meteorologist for WHO TV, will be the event’s master of ceremonies, and a panel of celebrity judges will choose their favorite pork dish from among 30 competitors. Famous judges include:

Iowa breweries and cideries participating in the event include:

Iowa musicians Jordan Beem, Neva Alden and the Midlanders will perform throughout the event. Raffle prizes including a Traeger Grill, Blackstone Grill, Iowa Cubs Package and more will be available.

Participants who prefer not to participate in the “brewing” portion of BBQ & Brew can participate for just $15. Children 5 and under enter free.

One of the pillars of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s We Care principles is caring for the community. Events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark are a fun way to celebrate pork, while showing that pork producers care.

“Food insecurity is a major problem in Iowa and this event is a way for us to give back to the community,” said IPPA President Matt Gent, a hog farmer from Wellman, Iowa. “Pork producers care about Iowa.”

Fareway Stores is also a sponsor of BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark and will provide resources and support for donations to local food pantries.

Visit the IPPA website to buy tickets. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door.