Patrolling the Pond by Mike Miller, VP Lake Lotawana Home Owners Association
October 23, 2024
Dipping into Nostalgia and Getting it RightIt’s that time of year when Patrolling the Pond steps off the Pond to take a closer look at the people who make Lotawana work, many of our volunteers who lend their time and talents to so many great activities and the intricate work of keeping the lake running. It’s also a great time of year to share more about our local businesses and how they make our community what it is. Patrolling the Pond is not above giving a few shameless plugs either (no reciprocation ever taken). This week, I’m focusing on the 2026 edition of LotaSmoke: And while the tabulation software may have glitched, they still got it RIGHT!
For the 4th year running, the 2026 edition of LotaSmoke lived up to its billing of Fellowship, Friends, and Food. What’s a great event without a little controversy? There may have been a few wardrobe malfunctions at some of the parties on Friday night, but there was also a slight glitch in the tabulation software that changed some contest outcomes. It happens. That said, what I learned from talking to dozens of contestants over the two-day event is that the reasons they do what they do have less to do with the contest and more to do with everything the spirit of LotaSmoke embraces: Time with friends, family, and the community.
I didn’t submit my application early enough to judge this year like I did last year, so maybe next year. I did get to talk to most of the contestants and hear their stories of inspiration and their journey to becoming part of a competition BBQ team. As a roving reporter, I experienced the event from a different perspective. If you’ve ever been surprised by someone interviewing, “on the record,” quotes, you know that you get a boost of adrenaline that helps you focus. It can also trigger a dopamine rush that gets the juices flowing like a tasty brisket on the smoker for 10 hours. It was good,, clean fun to learn about the inspiration behind the names, the different perspectives on secret sauces, and the ingredients that made each entry stand out from the pack. I think I actually enjoyed playing the roving reporter more than being a judge (don’t tell Ryan that). Here are a few stories from the smoky flats of Stafford Field.
The inspiration behind the unique, colorful names that make up any BBQ competition, including LotaSmoke, has always intrigued me. The backstories range from “we had to change our name because our other name was too much like someone else in another competition.” Instead,, Team Fireball, an entry from our friends at Lakewood, decided that free, popular merch from a rookie sales guy for the spicy cinnamon drink of the same name was enough to make it a keeper. I will say, their 2nd place chicken leg-lolli was pretty tasty. That said, I am not sure they got too far away from the idea of someone else having the same name. Jason Rew, team Captain and the Lotawana HOA attorney, may also want to make sure there are no trademark or copyright issues (I guess he would know). They finished 3rd overall which is a great showing for a first-time entry. It was also nice to see entries from other lake communities step up. I know several lakes have BBQ traditions that date back before LotaSmoke. Maybe some good-natured trades would be fun? Our best for your best? I should note that leg-lolli-pops were something I didn’t see last year. Most entries are with thighs. They were clearly a hit with chicken, with All 4 Aces taking 3rd. So lollies took 2nd and 3rd…note to self. All 4 Aces also let me watch the Hoosiers take out Nebraska that day (thank you), so cheers to chicken-leg lollipops. I am a fan.
Why and how other names were inspired run the gauntlet, from late-night conversations (a few too many to list here) to taking over retired names from former American Royal entrants to those named in jest by American Royal staff (Drunken Monkeys). Any way you slice it, team names are a part of LotaSmoke that emphasize the tradition. Of course, the overall Grand Champion (revised), Two Grills, One Guy is pretty straightforward; Chris Gipson is the only team member listed! I spent time with the Smokin Sicilians, Maria Dempsey, Team Captain. I was nearing the end of my roving reporter interviews and needed a place to sit. For the next half-hour, Maria and her team told me the greatest stories of family and generational friends that go back in time and have lasted to the present. Childhood friends of parents who were the same, as you might suspect, the Smokin Sicilians, initially named Grand Champion, now Reserve Champion, are the quintessential picture of why most everyone enjoys LotaSmoke. As Ryan Jordan from Tamm Good Eatin’ told me, “It’s about the day.” And the day was even more than BBQ.
It’s hard to ignore the creativity that goes into everything LotaSmoke. Sure, the food is the focus, but really it’s about a community coming together to share their muses. Hours of work go into decorating tents for the Friday night “Best Party” contest. This year’s features included the patriotic tribute by Meat Your Maker’s take on the Green Dragon Tavern, where many of the Founding Fathers met >250 years ago to talk about the Revolution (I thought Brad Scott was a perfect typecast for George Washington), the usual serving of iguana by the Go Pig or Go Home team (I wonder if we will see iguana leg-lollies next year), and the over-the-top annual club party by the Always Rubbin’ Sumpin’ team. So fun! To top it all, a fitting and respectful tribute at Dino’s Diner sponsored by 80Liscious, honored and memorialized a friend and long-time lake resident. 80Liscious, through the contributions of every other team, won “Best Party,” and for all the right reasons. The creativity seen at LotaSmoke is always fun to see in action. And while this year’s event has passed, it’s the time with friends, family, and a sincere sense of community that will last
I asked Kyle Twenter, Co-Organizer Extraordinaire about his thoughts on this year’s LotaSmoke. Kyle quite humbly said, “Thank you to the 22 BBQ Team Captains who make this event! They are the reason Lotasmoke is what it is! Their hard work and volunteerism to not only BBQ but to host these huge weekend gatherings brings the families and friends together and memories are made, all while raising money for the LL Parks & Rec! Thank you Team Captains!!!”
The slight software glitch this year will be fixed for 2027. I hope that everyone, including Kyle, Craig, and the entire LotaSmoke planning team, sees that a slight glitch does not take away from the fact that YOU GOT IT RIGHT this year and GET IT RIGHT every year with LotaSmoke. Congratulations and a BIG thank you to the entire team for another wonderful event that has now become another great Lotawana tradition and nostalgia of the lake. Until next time, see you on or around the Pond!
Safer Seven is taking another fall break because he can.