I Love BBQ Festival

Chow down where Eric Heiden won five gold medals (for skating, not eating)

You know you’re in an Olympic town when the USA Luge team is the main sponsor of this annual barbecue festival (that’s held on the outdoor speed-skating oval where Eric Heiden swept the men’s events during the 1980 Winter Olympic Games). Pitmasters-in-training compete in the I Love BBQ Junior World Championships on Saturday, with a culinary scholarship on the line; on Sunday, a pair of Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competitons offer $8,500 in prize money.

At a glance

“Top Chef”-style competition, live music, a mechanical bull and other entertainment scheduled
Pulled-pork tasting on Friday; rib tasting Saturday
Event benefits the Thomas Shipman Youth Center in Lake Placid