On February 7th, 2015, the sweet smell of BBQ will again fill the air at the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Club, 2400 Havendale Blvd, Winter Haven. The 11th annual Budweiser Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition will be underway and is a Competitor sell out again this year. Gates open to the public at 10am. Team awards will be around 5:30pm. The day’s events commence with the national anthem and a “fly over”.

SMOKE ON THE WATER is an annual event to benefit the CITRUS CENTER BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, INC of Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Haines City. 100% of funds raised go to the clubs. Since 1955 Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs have enriched the lives of local boys and girls, providing a safe after-school environment in which kids can get help with their homework, participate in sports, learn respect for property and the rights of others, and simply have fun. The three clubs currently serve approximately 700 children all overseen by a staff of employees and volunteers dedicated to the clubs mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Clubs offer young people what they need and want most – adults who respect and listen to them, a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves, and interesting constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits.

Thanks to our sponsors and attendees participation, the money raised the past 10 years has met most of the Club’s needs. Please take time to review our sponsor section and help us thank them for their support. If you would like to become a sponsor and change the lives of children in need, please see the contact section. We need your help!!!!

This Florida BBQ Association sanctioned event will have over 80 teams from across the Country competing for over $11,000 in cash and prizes. We have been selected as an automatic qualifier for the World Food Championships, the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational & the American Royal ! This goes along with being a Florida qualifier for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue. The New Electric Professional Division has some of the top National Rated Teams, and all the top rated Florida BBQ Association Teams, competing for the 2014 Grand Champion title. We are honored to have the likes of Myron Mixon (Jack’s Old South) as seen on the TV series BBQ Pitmasters, with us again this year. The Publix Backyard Competition, the non professional division teams, will be competing for cash, trophies and bragging rights. Please come hungry, as many of these Pro & Backyard Teams will be selling their BBQ!

The day’s entertainment includes acoustic performances representing Gospel, Bossa Nova, Blues, Jazz, Americana, Country, Folk, Blue Grass, Rock & Roll and Southern Soul music. That’s a whole lot of musical styles my friends! Other activities include performances by local Graphic Performing Artist Tony Trotti, seaplane rides, and an interactive kid’s area. But wait, there’s more! We also have Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team shows featured on beautiful Lake Cannon. Team Master Craft Professionals Mark Voisard & Geno Yauchler will be dazzling the crowd with amazing air and water performances!

Admission is a $1.00 donation, (12 & under is free). Premier parking is $5.00. Park & Ride is FREE. (park and ride from Cypress Cathedral just East of the Club @ 1801 Havendale Blvd.). Due to numbers in attendance it is strongly encouraged to use the free park and ride for easier access.

What better way to spend the day eating the best BBQ found anywhere, great music, exciting entertainment. In return you will be helping support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winter Haven, Haines City and Lake Wales!

For more information, please contact Frank Csomos by using the Contact Page or e-mailing frank@boysandgirlsbbq.com directly.

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