Street Fest on 7th
Thousands Enjoy Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest on 7th
Downtown Brainerd was packed on Saturday when thousands attended the 11th annual Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest on 7th. From kids games in the afternoon to ribs and rock’n’roll after sundown, there was something for everyone.
The 2nd year of the Brainerd Jaycees Battle of the bands was an exciting showcase of talent. The Danver Patients from St. Cloud, MN narrowly defeated The Followthrough from Austin, TX for top honors and a $1,000 Bridge of Harmony gift certificate. It was a close competition, with the crowd ultimately deciding the winner.
The Cub Food Ribfest sold out once again, with 15 teams participating and over 1,000 pounds of ribs consumed. Each ticket purchased comes with one vote for the best ribs and the best booth. The winners were: Junior Achievement for best non-profit ribs; Shep’s on 6th for best business ribs; and BBQ Fanatic for best booth.
Over a hundred people participated in the downtown business carnival where one lucky person won a 32” flat-screen TV.
Tad Johnson, chairman of the 2012 Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest, said “It is truly awesome to see a group of people come together and organize an all volunteer event the size of Street Fest.”
Proceeds from this year’s Street Fest on 7th benefit Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity. Kevin Pelkey, Executive Director, said “It’s wonderful to have the Jaycees and the community come together to help us build houses in partnership with families in need.”
A complete list of winners and other details on the event are available at www.brainerdstreetfest.com. The Brainerd Jaycees provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.
Street Fest on 7th History
Well-known for the Extravaganza, the Brainerd Jaycees wanted to establish a summer event, so in 2002 the Great Northern BBQ was born. True to the original goal of bringing barbecue to the Brainerd Lakes, the Jaycees hosted a national and local barbecue competition and live music festival. Over the years, the nature of the event has changed a bit but has always included the Cub Foods Rib Fest, a local barbecue competition judged by the participants who select the best non-profit ribs, best local business ribs, and best decorated booth.
In 2008, the Brainerd Jaycees renamed the event the Street Fest on 7th and found a home in downtown Brainerd. The scope of the festival changed to incorporate food and craft vendors and family activities, including eating contests and children’s games. The downtown businesses have embraced the event with greater involvement every year, including a downtown business carnival in which businesses give away a flat-screen TV. New in 2011, the Brainerd Jaycees added a battle of the bands competition in which the top band won $1,000.
For more information on the Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest on 7th and to join the Battle of the Bands, compete in the Rib Fest, or become a vendor, please visit www.brainerdstreetfest.com or e-mail Tad Johnson.
