Loveland Loves BBQ returns for 18th year of food and music – Loveland Reporter-Herald

For its 18th year, Loveland Loves BBQ returned to the beloved city, offering live music, activities and, of course, a range of meaty meals, from classic options like pulled pork and ribs to more unique options like smoked alligator.

This free event, hosted by Loveland Sertoma each summer, brings together local barbecue experts, various other food vendors and live bands for a two-day celebration of the classic summer meal.

Jamie Keller, event coordinator at Loveland Sertoma, said this year residents can expect much of what they’ve had in previous years, including six vendors offering a variety of barbecue options as well as other food vendors selling desserts, drinks and more. The event also offered several activities for attendees, from a kids’ area to a mechanical bull, provided by Tom Davis Saloon.

Despite temperatures exceeding 100 degrees at 4 p.m. Friday, residents still found their way to Fairgrounds Park to enjoy the food.

Worm Johnson checks brisket and ribs in the massive smoker at the Bigs Meat Wagon stand at Loveland Loves BBQ in Fairgrounds Park in Loveland on Friday. Joe McQuain, owner of Bigs, said the new smoker can hold 96 briskets compared to about 15 in his smaller smoker. (Jenny Sparks/Loveland Reporter-Herald)

Jeff Schuh and his family waited to enjoy food from the BIGS Meat Wagon at the start of the event Friday after working the parking lot; members of the Thompson Valley High School football team manned the parking lot entrance throughout the event.

“We’re barbecue addicts,” he said.

Loveland couple Joshua Heinaman and Jessica Sapinoso were also waiting for their food in the BIGS trailer, saying it was also their first time at the event.

“It’s great,” Heinaman said. “I can’t wait to eat it.”

“It’s awesome,” said Lance Jenkins, a Wyoming resident who said he came because his wife is from Loveland and loves the event.

For some vendors, it was their first foray into the annual barbecue festival.

Bryce Hansen, owner of the Gator Tails food truck, said he just launched his food truck and wants to offer it at events like Loveland Loves BBQ. Behind his food truck were whole gators cooking in a small smoker, some wrapped in bacon and others with stuffed tails.

“I love smoking meat,” he says.

Gavin Maitland, co-owner of Eaton’s Smokin’ Bros. Barbecue, said after attending a barbecue show in Johnstown, the restaurant decided to bring the truck to be part of Loveland Loves BBQ.

“We really care about the community,” he said. “We try to support it as much as we can.”

Keller said bringing the event back each year also helps Loveland Sertoma serve local nonprofits.

“Loveland Sertoma works hard all year round to raise funds for nonprofits in the community, and 100% of those proceeds…also go to Loveland nonprofits.”

Raegan Gilchrist hands Joshua Heinaman a plate from the BIGS Meat Wagon at Loveland Loves BBQ in Fairgrounds Park on July 12, 2024. Heinaman and Jessica Sapinoso, right, said this was their first time at the event, with Heinaman adding he was excited to try different meat options. (Austin Fleskes/Loveland Reporter-Herald)
Raegan Gilchrist hands Joshua Heinaman a plate from the BIGS Meat Wagon at Loveland Loves BBQ in Fairgrounds Park on Friday. Heinaman and Jessica Sapinoso, right, said this was their first time at the event, with Heinaman adding he was excited to try different meat options. (Austin Fleskes/Loveland Reporter-Herald)

The event will run from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday at Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave. While admission is free, tokens must be purchased for drinks and food can be purchased from each individual vendor.

More information can be found at lovelandlovesbbq.com.

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