Noel Kay, of Hickory Barbeque Company accepts his winning medal from a KCBS officials at the Overall Winner of The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival Saturday afternoon.

Camaraderie and BBQ was on the menu Saturday for the 2025 The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival in Partin Park in Lyons and the weather was perfect for both.

Just before 4:00, Kansas City BBQ Society officials read the names of winners in categories from Backyard entrants to the professional grillers in various meats and sauces, and this year’s overall professional team has competed at The Real Squeal before.

“This is our third year competing,” said Noel Kay, the master griller of Hickory Barbeque Company of Shelby, North Carolina. “It’s always a good time and it’s a good festival.”

Kay said he was “the team” at Saturday’s event in Lyons. His wife is a teacher and was unable to accompany him to the competition on Saturday.

When asked about the camaraderie amongst the competing teams, he said, “It’s the best part! The grilling is fun, and winning is great, but to be with your friends is the everything. There’s a special bond between all these teams and even though we like to win the prize, we also cheer on our friends and wish them the best, too.”

Kay said he always gets his application in early to compete at The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival and that includes preparing for the 2026 competition.

“We’ll be back next year,” he declared.

In addition to the BBQ competition, vendors of arts and crafts, unique food options, and toe-tapping music brough the crowds into Lyons Saturday to enjoy the goings-on in Partin Park.

The Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival is typically held the first weekend of October each year.