For those who have been following the Bakken oil activity over the past several years know that BBQs are more than events, they are experiences.
Whether it is the annual MBI Bakken BBQ or the Bakken Rocks CookFest, the bravado and community spirit seem to come out of the woodwork to ensure a memorable event.
The one aspect of the Bakken BBQ I found symbolic was the underlying theme of everyone I have ever attended – work hard play hard.
The cooks are serious about BBQ, the oil companies are serious about supporting the community, the community is serious about learning about oil and gas impact and everyone is serious about fellowship.
Several weeks ago, in Dickinson, MBI hosted their 3rd Annual Bakken BBQ with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish North Dakota. The event experienced a number of challenges from Mother Nature, but in true North Dakota fashion, adjusted accordingly.
The event began with clear skies and near 100-degree weather, only to transition several hours later, to tornado warnings and thunderstorms. BBQ tents quickly became dissembled or blew away in the powerful wind.
I recall a moment during the Bakken BBQ when one of the trash cans rolled by MBI’s Tiffany Steiner, who was also one of the co-chairs.
“There comes a point when you just have to let go and understand there are somethings you just can not control, like the weather,” Steiner said.
I felt that was an awesome way to look at a potential rain out. Pea-sized raindrop fell horizontally as people ran from the parking lot to shelter inside the West River Community Center, known colloquially as the Rec Center. And this became the new home for the Bakken BBQ.
Now I say potential, because the party continued inside the Rec Center with live music by The Roosters and companies serving BBQ and conversing. Inside the Rec Center transformed into a bunch of makeshift areas for kid’s games, BBQ and information. Gotta stay true to the advertisements right?
In the end, the 3rd Annual Bakken BBQ raised just a bit more than $70,000 in monsoon like weather.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for participating in the 3rd Annual Bakken BBQ and helping make this event possible,” Jackie Schmidt, MBI Energy Services and event co-chair said. “We had a couple bumps in the road with the weather but, all in all, the BBQ was a successful and fun event. We raised $70,000 for Make-A-Wish North Dakota, this was not possible without each and everyone who participated.”
Schmidt shared the winners of this year’s 3rd Annual Bakken BBQ, but due to the weather there was some impromptu tiebreakers and controversy with the People’s Choice.
1st Place: LightTower Rentals
2nd Place: J & J Operating
3rd Place: MBI (There was a 3 way tie with MBI, Titan, & WPX. The winner was decided by a dance off tiebreaker.)
People’s Choice Award: Wyoming Casing (Due to the weather, some companies lost their ballot buckets, we chose the winner based on the buckets that were left.)
If you missed MBI’s Bakken BBQ, there are plenty more this summer. One more I would like to point out is the Bakken Rocks CookFest, sponsored by the North Dakota Petroleum Council.
This year the Bakken Rocks CookFest will take place in Alexander July 14 and South Heart July 16. According to their website, the informational portion of the BBQ begins at 2:30pm with food served at 4pm. Like the MBI BBQ, the CookFest offers live music, food, informational areas and BBQ award winners.
This year the Bakken CookFest live music will be Jessie Veeder with Lonesome Willy in Alexander and Nashville-recording artist Quintana Biffert in South Heart.
According to the North Dakota Petroleum Council, more than 35 companies are signed up to participate in the two events, which are free and open to the public. There are also advertising games and activities for kids and families.
In closing, if you have never been to a Bakken BBQ, I would add that to your personal bucket list. As I mentioned earlier, attending a Bakken BBQ is not an event, it is an unforgettable experience.
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