Yesterday afternoon we went over to the Brussels Town Park to check out the 2026 Smokin' For Paws Rib Cook Off. This is a sanctioned event and it's outgrown the vacant lot adjacent to Rouer's Grand Slam as the field of competitors is growing.
There were 27 teams from Wisconsin and neighboring states; most being professional competitors along with a few really talented backyard enthusiasts.
Funds raised from this competition are to support the acquisition of a service dog for placement with a worthy veteran or first responder along with supporting our local BUG Fire Department.
Feeling a BBQ pork-induced coma coming-on we returned home for nap.
While I can't guarantee it I'd be willing to bet this competition will return next year even bigger and better.
Stay-tuned and check out Face Book if you subscribe for interviews and coverage via Let's Go Door County!
From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda - easily identified by the distinctive fastback wraparound rear glass.
Based on the Valiant the Barracuda launched on April 1, 1964. The new model
used the Valiant's wheelbase, hood,
headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels, doors,
A-pillar, and bumpers; the trunk and some of the glass was new. The greatest effort was put into creating
its ginormous rear window, a collaboration between Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Chrysler designers that created the largest ever installed on a standard production car to that time. The fold-down rear seat was a novelty at the time.
The power train was identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 engine. The highest-power option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 equipped with a two-barrel carburetor producing 180 HP. 1964 was the first for the Barracuda and also the last year for push-button control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission.
Later
generations, like the third generation introduced in 1970, moved to the
Chrysler E-body platform and featured more aggressive styling and muscle.
Fun Fact - The Barracuda launch beat the Ford Mustang by two weeks; it's the first
From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor show there were a couple of Ford Model Automobiles - the car that succeeded the iconic Model T.
The
Ford Model A was introduced on December 2, 1927, as the replacement for the
long-running Model T, which had been in production for an amazing 18 years.
The
Model A was designed to be lower and sleeker than its predecessor,
incorporating styling elements influenced by Edsel Ford. It featured a
more powerful and smoother four-cylinder engine compared to the Model T,
and included mechanical advancements like a three-speed sliding-gear
transmission, four-wheel brake system, and hydraulic shock absorbers.
The
1928 Model A was an immediate sensation upon its release, and Ford
received 400,000 orders in less than two weeks. Production remained
strong through the early years of the Great Depression, with over 1.2
million cars built in 1930.
The
Model A was produced until 1931, with production ceasing in late 1931
for passenger cars while commercial vehicle
production continued into 1932. It was replaced by a
new line of cars featuring V-8 engines in the 1932 model year.
The presence of these two automobiles at the Brussels Town Park is further evidence that Henry y
From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria, a classic American car known for its stylish two-tone paint and sweeping chrome trim. Specifically, the "Victoria" model was a pillarless hardtop coupe—distinctive for having no fixed door frame between the front and rear side windows, giving it a sleek, open look when the windows were down.
If you're at an auto show a handful of identifiers include the "Fairlane" script on the front fender, the distinctive "V" shaped emblem with a crown (a 1956 Fairlane trademark) and the two-tone paint and heavy chrome detailing, common in mid-1950s American automotive design.
The 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria arrived at a pivotal time in American automotive history, representing the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of postwar America. This model was unveiled in 1955 and named after Henry Ford’s estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan.
Until the introduction of the Galaxie in 1959 this was Ford’s top-tier model which enjoyed an intense rivalry with the Chevrolet Bel Air. The 1956 version featured a new safety focus, including optional seatbelts, a padded dashboard and a Deep-Dish steering wheel to reduce chest injury in a crash under the "Lifeguard Design" safety campaign—pioneering at the time.
The drive train ranged from a 223 cu in (3.7L) inline-6 to a 292 or 312 cu in (4.8–5.1L) V8; offering respectable horsepower for the time. Transmission options included a 3-speed manual, Ford-O-Matic (automatic), and even overdrive.
This is a smart-looking drive from whence I arrived on the scene.
Identification includes trademark features such as the signature "toothy" chrome grille - very distinctive for Buicks of this era. VentiPorts; the three chrome portholes on each front fender identify it as a Buick Super (Roadmasters had four). Sweeping side trim was classic to Buick’s early '50s styling.
The extended rear cabin and high roof line are indicative of those models manufactured specifically as a limousine - and convertible to hearse or ambulance use.
This baby still has the original 6 volt electrical system, straight 8 engine and Dynaflow automatic transmission.
This is an eye-catching restoration of a previously customized factory automobile — a stretched limousine based on a late 1930s Chevrolet, likely a 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe or LaSalle modified into a limousine-style ride.
This is not a factory vehicle but a custom stretch, originally modified for an airport or funeral limousine. It features streamlined art deco design - the chrome detailing and sweeping lines are typical of late-1930s GM styling including a raised roof line. This was likely added for additional headroom and dramatic visual impact.
LaSalle, introduced in 1927 by General Motors, was intended as a more
affordable and sportier alternative to Cadillac. In 1937, it was
equipped with Cadillac V8 engines. 1940 was the final year for the
LaSalle nameplate as Cadillac offered a similarly priced model under its
own brand. The 1939 model year, with its long vertical grille and
bullet-shaped headlights and side grille work for engine cooling is considered particularly iconic.
Present day upgrades include a performance engine and drive train and custom seating and upholstery.
Possibly the biggest small town car show in northeast Wisconsin.
B.U.G. Firefighters Rock!
Today delivered perfect weather for the 4th Annual Show featuring two live bands, food, beverages, and a mind-boggling array of antique, classic and new automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.
I'll post some pics over the next week or so and with the assistance of AI likely provide some details and backstory on what you're look'n at.
See you one the flip side!
1961 Volkswagen Type 2 - also known as a Microbus, or Kombi. The split windshield indicates it's from the "Splitty" generation (officially the T1), produced between 1950 and 1967. This model features the safari pop-out windshield windows and white bumpers. It also happens to be a pick-up version. The rear features two side panels and a tail gate when latched in the upright position conform to a pick-up tub. They fold down to also create a flatbed. Clever!
Welcome to the new Incident Command Vehicle for the Brussels, Union, Gardner (BUG) Fire Department.
The custom ride is designed to be first to respond to an incident. Not only will it handle communications and logistics; it houses a high pressure, single operator, fire suppression system that breaks down water droplets into a fine mist known as a water mist system. It works by creating tiny water droplets with a large surface area, allowing them to rapidly absorb heat from a fire and effectively extinguish it while using significantly less water than a traditional fire hose.
With the flip of a switch it also has capacity to lay down foam.
The Brussels Lions Club, local business and individuals contributed funding for this acquisition.
Last Wednesday afternoon, on very short notice, and with the
window of opportunity rapidly closing it dried out sufficiently for us to
conduct a prescribed burn.
You're probably scratching your head over the notion of someone deliberately setting something on fire beside a BBQ grill.
Drip Torch
Over several generations it has been an accepted practice to suppress Ma Nature's use of fire to maintain the natural order.
While suppressing fire will bring a smile the face of Smokey
Bear it also has unintended consequences. Without the impact of fire combustible fuel accumulates on the landscape making any fire event more dangerous. Witness the devastating wildfires in California, Colorado and other states.
So, at
usually three year intervals, we have a professional burn crew set fire to the seven acres of grassland wildlife habitat that constitutes our backyard.
This removes combustible material that is close to the
house and has other benefits that I'll enumerate.
Our local BUG Fire Department authorized the burn and both their leadership team and county dispatch is kept informed of the timing.
A controlled burn accomplishes a number of things.Included among them are:
1. Fire removes excess fuel (built-up thatch) thereby
reducing the risk of an out-of-control wildfire. 2. Fire returns valuable nutrients to the soil 3. Fire kills undesirable woody vegetation, invasive
plant species and the blackened earth warms-up quickly in the spring sunshine
stimulating the growth of desirable native plants 4. Following the application of fire the resulting flush
of desirable plant regrowth is a benefit to wildlife – including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Photos and video clips.....
Monday afternoon, on very short notice, and with the
window of opportunity rapidly closing it dried out sufficiently for us to
conduct a prescribed burn.
You're probably scratching your head over the notion of someone deliberately setting something on fire beside a BBQ grill.
Over the years we have suppressed Ma Nature's use of fire to maintain the natural order. While suppressing fire will bring a smile the face of my pal Smokey Bear it also has unintended consequences. Most recent among them have been the devastating wildfires in California and other states. So, at usually three year intervals, this practice is
performed by a professional burn crew on sensitive wildlife habitat. Plus it removes a boatload of combustible material that is close to the house.
BUG Fire Department authorized the burn and was in the loop at all
times.
A controlled burn accomplishes a number of things.Included among them are:
1. Fire removes excess fuel (built-up thatch) thereby
reducing the risk of an out-of-control wildfire. 2. Fire returns valuable nutrients to the soil 3. Fire kills undesirable woody vegetation, invasive
plant species and the blackened earth warms-up quickly in the spring sunshine
stimulating the growth of desirable native plants 4. Following the application of fire the resulting flush
of desirable plant regrowth is a benefit to wildlife – including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds.
Photos and video clips.....
Burn Crew
Starting to back burn from the west
Continuing the back burn
Commencing the head fire from the south
Letting it rip with head fire from the east
Prime contractor does terrific work
The aftermath on our Tuesday morning walk - blackened, scorched earth. I'll perform some touch-up work with my new Mini Dragon.
If you ever wanted to see a community gather-together, absolutely busting with pride, today was one of those days.After several attempts a referendum was
passed to modernize the two fire stations for the Brussels Union Gardner Fire
Department.
Fire Station Number One –
located just outside of the town of Brussels – is a brand new facility
replacing the old, worn and cramped fire station located in town.
It is now home not only to the fire
department but county emergency services including the Door County
Sheriff.For the first time ever 24/7
staffing of an ambulance has begun for this Southern Door community. There was a terrific turnout of the
community, an open house with tours, a formal dedication of the facility
complete with all of the appropriate recognition of fulltime emergency services
personnel and an all-volunteer fire department.
The local parish priest was called-upon to bless the facility and all
those who serve.I also learned
something today – who Saint Florian is. St.
Florian—an officer in the Roman army - was put to death for refusing to kill
Christians as ordered by Emperor Diocletian.He was martyred.According to the legend - during his life - Florian put out a
massive fire with only one bucket of water, saving a village from ruin.Many years after it is said that a man was
saved from a deadly fire when he called on St. Florian, begging for his
intercession.As a consequence St.
Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.
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