Alvin M. Keeling 
Wendy Werner
Despite some much needed rain, the Otoe BBQ went ahead as planned on Saturday, September 10, 2022. The day started with breakfast and a fun run. The winners of the 5K/1mile Fun Run were 5k 1st place Izabel Stubbendick, 5k 2nd place Vivian Aden, 1 mile 1st place Jazz Hanes and 1 mile 2nd place Kathy Knake. The Blue Rock Shoot organized by Mike Koch had 15 shooters. After switching “rain or shine,” the Otoe Auto Show hosted by Braden Glinsmann had 18 attendees, including a tractor.
Now in its ninth year, the Otoe BBQ is organized by a committee of local residents: Wyatt Hutchinson, President; Penny Trueblood, Treasurer; Angela Parsons, secretary; Deana Bennett; Michelle Hutchinson; Mike Koch; and Lawrence Lutjemeyer.
Eleven market and bingo vendors have been moved to the community building. A lunch of walking tacos and hot dogs was served at the park and Dairy Chef Jr. was on the main street offering lunch, then moved to the park around dinner time, offering cream icy. Dinner was a BBQ pork sandwich plate and sidewalk service available.
Although the parade was canceled and Tractor Drive was moved to Sunday, and despite the rain, one of the organizers said there was a good turnout. The Otoe BBQ Committee hosted breakfast, lunch and dinner while St. John’s Lutheran Church hosted the fun run and bingo. St. John’s Lutheran Church is hosting another event in the park on Sept. 18, with children’s games at 10:30 a.m. and a free will lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The event is held to bring the community together and proceeds go to the city,” Parsons said. She said an addition to the playground in the park is the most recent purchase using proceeds from the annual event.
