Column Update - Barbecue Drama Ends

UPDATE -- A truce has been reached in the barbecue battle or rib war or whatever you call it. Rick Smith has the meaty details.

BBQ Roundup wins. RibFest withdraws.

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Finally, we're fighting about something important in this town - barbecue.

The BBQ Roundup vs. the Freedom Festival's RibFest is a spicy feud that's splattering sauce into the highest reaches of Cedar Rapids civic authority. Somebody get the mayor a bib.

To make a long, slow, hickory-smoked story short, the two events are scheduled for the same time in late June. The Roundup is a local tradition that raises money for the U.S. Cellular Center. RibFest is a newcomer to the Freedom Festival lineup.

And this town ain't big enough for the both of them, apparently. Slather the whole thing in a special recipe of rumors, allegations, money, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar etc., and you've got plenty to chew on.

It's also a tender subject, considering that The Gazette is the 2010 Freedom Festival's presenting sponsor. But the very idea that I can't be objective is outrageous, about as outrageous as saying the Freedom Festival presented by The Gazette won't be an outstanding event with loads of fun for the whole family. Crazy.

And anyway, my journalistic career is fleeting. Barbecue is forever.

I can't remain silent now that City Hall is involved, with Mayor Ron Corbett and the City Council in it up to their elbows. The council was supposed to take up the issue last week, but Corbett jumped in and called a pause. He's hoping the dueling events can come to a compromise. He knows good 'cue takes time.

I understand the impulse to intervene, but let's face it, government and barbecue don't mix.

True, government can throw up smoke and mirrors, grease palms, roll out the pork barrel and cut services to the bone. But when is the last time you had good bureaucratic brisket? The answer is never. Ever.

And although I love a good compromise, settling a barbecue dispute in some sort of indoor “negotiation” session seems wrong. In my heart, which will someday need a barbecue-inspired bypass, I believe this should be settled on the field of vittles. With clouds of smoke and the clamor of clanking tongs and the popping of bottle caps. God help me, I do love it so.

If compromise talks fall through, I'd just like everyone to know I stand ready to assemble an elite strike team of barbecue tasters who will gladly infiltrate both events and choose a winner. It's the least I can do, in service to my community.

Still, I'm not convinced that two barbecue events is enough. I say we add a Hot Links Hoedown, a Chickenapalooza and Rolaids in the Park, culminating with a communitywide belt-loosening.

Work with me folks. This is important.

n Comments: (319) 398-8452; todd.dorman@gazcomm.com