The rain was gone in time for tonight's Apple Blossom barbecue.

A crowd gathered downtown at Civic Center Park for the kickoff of this weekend's Apple Blossom festival.

The barbecue is a two-day event that ties in to the celebration.

This year, a special feature; the Budweiser Clydesdales were on hand for this year's event.

Competitors smoked their stuff for a chance at thousands of dollars in prize money.

"I've been doing this for ten years in the back yard and I just wanted to bring it out and see where I stand," explained competitor Chris Dowdell with a grin. "If I do good, I do good. It can either be rewarding or humbling."

The barbecue wrapped up with live entertainment tonight.

The parade begins tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.

KQ2 begins live coverage at 10:00 a.m.