The Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ competition, an annual event with a unique blend of BBQ mastery and camaraderie, celebrates the memory and spirit of Kelly Thronson. Kelly, a prominent community member, was a passionate supporter of the youth and was actively involved in numerous organizations. The BBQ competition, initiated in 2016 after his untimely departure, serves as a platform to bring people together and raise funds for projects within Norman County in his honor.
This event is organized by a volunteer committee each year and coincides with the Fun in the Flatlands celebration in Ada, MN. Registration is now open for the 2026 Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ competition. Sign up today!
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Location: Norman County Fairgrounds, Ada, MN (503 W Thorpe Ave, Ada, MN 56510)
Cook-Off Competition Cash Prizes:
- Best Ribs: 1st $500 | 2nd $250 | 3rd $100
- Best Pork Tenderloin: 1st $250 | 2nd $150 | 3rd $50
People’s Choice: Traveling trophy and bragging rights! Learn more here. The community is invited to participate by voting for their favorite. $5/person to cast a vote! Cold beverages will be available for purchase to the public until sold out. Come get a taste of the action!
Bean Bag Tournament: 11:00 a.m. start. $20/team. Pre-register here. Payout for the top three teams!
Gun Raffle Fundraiser: $20/ticket available to purchase at McCollum Hardware and Kelly's Chrysler in Ada. Only 200 sold!
Camping: Camping is allowed at the Norman County Fairgrounds. The fee is $20. Competitors should pay when registering. All other guests may pay at the registration booth on the day of the competition.
Event Schedule & Information
Pre-event:
- Pre-Register and pay before Monday, Aug 31 for a chance to win back your registration.
- Friday, Sept. 11, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. option to set up early at the Norman County Fairgrounds.
Day of Event:
- 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Setup and Registration. Head cook check-in at the registration table. ALL entry fees must be paid at this time.
- 8:00 a.m. All competitors meeting and meat distribution.
- 11:00 a.m. Bean Bag Tournament. Register here.
- 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. People’s Choice Judging. The community is welcome to vote for their favorite entry! $5 per wristband/person to vote. Visit the registration table for details.
- 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Turn in cooked tenderloin at the registration table. NO entries will be accepted after 3:00 p.m. See contest rules for preparation instructions.
- 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Judging of Pork Tenderloin entries
- 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Turn in cooked ribs at the registration table. NO entries will be accepted after 4:00 p.m. See contest rules for preparation instructions.
- 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Judging of Rib entries
- 5:15 p.m. Awards
