Fun Sauce

Break out the bibs and fat pants, people. The American Royal Barbecue is again upon us, and it’s the biggest, most barbecue-bustin’ party in the world. (That’s not an exaggeration — with close to 500 cook teams participating and a crowd that goes well into the thousands, it really is the single largest barbecue event in the world.) But it isn’t just about eating. Located on the grounds of Kemper Arena (1800 Genessee) in KC’s West Bottoms, this home-grown festival is two days and 20 acres of cooking demonstrations and taste contests; carnival games; a slew of blasting bands; a kids’ barbecue contest; fireworks; a Texas hold ’em tournament; and an expo featuring grill vendors, outdoor kitchens, cookbooks, and sauces and spices and rubs to sample. It all starts at 5 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. We suggest you wear comfy shoes and a loose belt to go with those elastic-waist pants. For more information, call 816-221-9800 or see arbbq.com.— Lorna Perry

Fri., Oct. 1, 3 p.m.-midnight; Sat., Oct. 2, 8 p.m.-midnight, 2010