This weekend's Smokin’ the Coeur d’Alenes Inland NW BBQ Championship

at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds will give a whole bunch of local

guys a chance to show off their skills, and is just one of several

events that men and boys of all ages will appreciate, but the ladies

can enjoy as well.

Of course, Car d'Lane is the biggie, and in its 20th year there could

be some surprises. Several record-setting street rods sold at the

Barrett-Jackson Auction in recent years previewed at Car d'Lane, and

this year might be a repeat.

Among those participating in Smokin’ the Coeur d’Alenes is John Vahey

of Rathdrum, who chili aficionados should recall as the People's

Choice winner last September at Coeur d'Alene Honda's chili cook-off,

only one day after nailing the top award at the Coeur d'Alene Elks

cook-off. He will be entered at the state barbecue championship as

Northern Lights Catering.

Other locals are Jeff Sheets of

Coeur d'Alene with Daddy's Butt Rub, Jay Bremner of Post Falls, aka

Limp Brizkit and Mike Schell of Post Falls with Mike's Hillbilly BBQ.

David Bardin of Coeur d'Alene will enter as Smoke Creek BBQ, and Chris

Patterson, also of Coeur d'Alene, as Brown Chicken Brown Cow.

Pat Thompson of Coeur d'Alene will be "Stokin-N-Smokin', while Julius

Hesson of Post Falls says Pop's Smokin' It. Hayden's Gerald Sickafoose

will enter Gerald's Touch of Smoke, and former Press copy editor Jeff

Selle will Rub 'Em Raw.

Red White and Blue BBQ from Norman Wood of Coeur d'Alene will round

out the local entries, but competitors will also come from other North

Idaho counties and throughout the Northwest.

If the kids need a break from it all, the Shriners Circus will also be

at the rodeo grounds with shows at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

While the poultry, pork and beef are on the grills, the bull will be

hot and heavy with plenty of opportunities to share smoking secrets

with vendors and other participants offering demonstrations and tips.

Don't forget to bring something for the Community Action Partnership,

which will knock $2 off the $5 admission fee for those over 16.

While the contestants can't sell their food because of health codes,

there will be plenty of others with good stuff, and a beer garden with beverages

from Sandpoint's Laughing Dog Brewery.

And if you cozy up to one of the contestants, nothing says they can't give

up a free sample after they turn in their entries for judging on Sunday.

Full details including schedules are available at http://www.smokinidaho.info.

And if the weather is in any way cooperative, the Boom Town Vendors

Market at Showcase Auction at 12551 Government Way is hoping for a

good turnout of automotive-related sellers on Saturday and Sunday.

Owner Clint Cord says a number of sellers have promised to show up,

but if it's raining the market will once again be held inside.

One thing for sure: Dad won't have time to get bored for the next

three days, with the Car d'Lane cruise on Friday night, the show and

shine all day Saturday, and plenty of Father's Day events to keep him

in good humor.

- Rick Thomas