Bassano Secures Full Funding for Smoke Down BBQ Festival Music Despite Tariff Concerns

BASSANO, AB – The Town of Bassano has successfully navigated initial funding challenges to fully secure the live music component of its popular Small Town Smoke Down BBQ competition, according to updates presented during the May 12, 2025, council agenda review.

Concerns regarding the financial viability of the Saturday Live Music event, a key attraction for the annual festival, had surfaced during the preceding council meeting on April 14, 2025. These concerns stemmed primarily from difficulties in securing adequate sponsorships. Discussions at the time highlighted the adverse impact of recent U.S.-imposed tariffs on local businesses and potential sponsors, leading several to reduce or entirely withdraw their planned financial contributions.

Addressing Sponsorship Shortfalls

The April 14th meeting revealed that while the vast majority of the Small Town Smoke Down’s planned activities were fully funded, the Saturday live music section remained notably pending. Organizers and council members had acknowledged the potential necessity of scaling back this part of the event, contemplating an alternative format featuring a single DJ rather than multiple bands if sufficient funds could not be raised.

Despite the initial uncertainty, a combination of community support and unexpected financial contributions has now solidified the funding for the live music.

Community Spirit and Unexpected Support

A significant turning point came with the generous commitment from the four scheduled bands. In a notable demonstration of support for the Bassano community and the cherished local event, all four musical groups offered to perform free of charge. This act of solidarity immediately alleviated a substantial portion of the funding gap.

Further bolstering the event’s financial standing, additional unexpected sponsorship funds were secured by the end of April. The confluence of the bands’ pro bono performances and this late-stage financial boost ensured that the live music portion of the festival could proceed as originally planned, featuring the anticipated full lineup of artists.

Comprehensive Festival Lineup Confirmed

The successful resolution of the live music funding issue means the entire 2025 Small Town Smoke Down BBQ competition is now fully supported. Other components of the festival, which had already achieved full funding status, include the highly anticipated Professional BBQ Competition, the popular Friday Dinner and Music Event, the vibrant Street Market and Food Trucks, a dedicated Tasting Booth, the competitive Amateur Steak Cook-Off, the traditional Pancake Breakfast, the engaging Show Up and Show Off Auto Show, the future-focused Kids Q Competition, and informative Bassano Dam Tours.

The confirmation during the May 12th council meeting provides certainty for event organizers and attendees, ensuring that the Saturday Live Music event will be a vibrant part of the overall festival experience, contributing significantly to the lively atmosphere that draws visitors to Bassano each year. The community’s resilience and the timely support from artists and sponsors have proven instrumental in overcoming the initial financial hurdles.