Wilbur here with a Saucesome announcement from Famous Dave’s of the Rockies - The Peak of Pork - Too Saucesome to Stay at Sea Level.

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants are celebrating 16 years of delicious, lip smackin’ Bar-B-Que and in honor of our founder, “Famous Dave” Anderson, we celebrate Dave’s Day on Sunday, August 1, 2010 and give a free entrée to anyone named Dave, David or Davy. RSVP & invite your friends.

Every weekday leading up to this Dave’s Day Weekend, Famous Dave’s is mailing one raving fan a $15 Gift Card for Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit BBQ. Winners have 24 hours to respond to our notification with their mailing info. Good Luck!

TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO JOIN US [ON FACEBOOK] [ON TWITTER]

Monday - Twitter Giveaway | Follow @FamousDavesCO on Twitter and include “@FamousDavesCO” in a tweet (as in, “Follow @FamousDavesCO for the best deals on the best BBQ in CO.”). One winner will be randomly selected at Midnight and contacted via direct message for mailing instructions.

Tuesday - Afternoon Trivia Giveaway | Brush up on your Famous Dave’s history and be the first to answer a simple trivia question posted on both our Facebook page and @FamousDavesCO on Twitter. The first correct responder will be contacted via Facebook message or Twitter direct message* for mailing instructions. (Twitter users must be following @FamousDavesCO to receive our direct message).

Wednesday - Slathered with Love Facebook Giveaway | Do you love Famous Dave’s? Slather us with love on our Facebook page for a chance to get slathered back in free BBQ. Create your own creative love note or complete the phrase, “I love Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que because…” One winner will be randomly selected at midnight and contacted via Facebook message for mailing instructions.

Thursday - “Famous Dave” Anderson Quote Giveaway | Our founder has some off the wall words of wisdom and humor. Be the first to complete one of three quotes posted on both our Facebook page and @FamousDavesCO on Twitter. The first correct responder will be contacted via Facebook message or Twitter direct message* for mailing instructions. (Twitter users must be following @FamousDavesCO to receive our direct message).

Friday - Invite a Dave to Dave’s Day Giveaway | Sunday, August 1st is Dave’s Day and that means a FREE ENTREE for anyone named Dave, David or Davy (and half-off for middle names, too). This week, you can invite all your Facebook friends using our event page. While you’re there, leave a wall comment letting us know how many Daves, Davids or Davys you invited. One winner will be randomly selected at midnight and contacted via Facebook message for mailing instructions.

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July is blazing by at an alarming pace, but around here at Famous Dave’s we like to slow down and enjoy all the flavors of summer. As always, we find and deliver all the news that’s fit to smoke — BBQ News!

July 18 - BBQ Gone Wrong - What reportedly started as a friendly barbecue turned into a case of mile-high murder in Denver. Police responded to the sound of gunfire to discover one man dead and a second man holding a gun, which he would not drop until police shot him. You can find updates on this story on Westword’s blog.

July 19 - Famous Dave’s began celebrating our Sweet & Sassy 16th Birthday by offering Buck-a-Bone Ribs and $2.16 Domestic Draft Beers. This deal continues through August 8th and includes Dave’s Day on August 1st, when any person named Dave, David or Davy will receive a free entree at any of our Colorado locations. Read this post for details.

July 22 - A woman in Portland, OR was burned and hospitalized after pouring a bottle of lighter fluid on to a small grill. The story is a shocking reminder to always be cautious and safe around the grill. Source: kgw.com

Well, that constitutes a slow news week. See a story we missed? Please share it with us in the comments.

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I’ve got some exciting news to share. My ol’ buddy Marlon and I have been visiting patients at The Children’s Hospital in Denver every month for years as part of our Wilbur Cares program. Beginning this month, we will also make monthly visits to patients staying at Brent’s Place - a home for children with cancer and their families.

Visit Brent’s Place on Facebook

Wilbur Cares fully supports the mission of Brent’s Place, to create communities of hope and healing for kids with cancer. Brent’s place provides a valuable service - A campus of meticulously maintained apartments for cancer patients after their discharge from hospital designed to protect from inadvertent infections.
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We thank supporters of our Wilbur Cares program, and invite you all to become a supporter by purchasing a $7 Wilbur Cares doll at any Famous Dave’s location in Colorado. 100% of the purchase price goes directly to The Children’s Hospital Foundation to provide care and raise awareness of their valuable healing mission. Find a Location.

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Know a Dave? Bring ‘em over for a free entrée at Famous Dave’s!

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants are celebrating 16 years of delicious, lip smackin’ Bar-B-Que and in honor of our founder, “Famous Dave” Anderson, participating Famous Dave’s are offering a free entrée to porkaholics with the first name of Dave, David or Davy (maximum value $15) on Sunday, August 1, 2010.

Invite a Dave on Facebook | Find a Location near you | Tweet this event

Anyone with the middle name of Dave, David or Davy can also join the fun and receive one entrée for half price (maximum value of $7.50). This one-day-only special offer is available for those dining in and those taking food TO GO. So bring your Dave, grab your friends and get ready for some tongue tinglin’ Bar-B-Que!

Invite a Dave on Facebook | Find a Location near you | Tweet this event

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Today I have a special treat for you. My best buddy, Marlon, who has been taking me to visit sick children at The Children’s Hospital in Denver for years, has written a note for all our currious fans about why we began our visits, and how they became the Wilbur Cares program. Marlon and I still visit The Children’s Hospital every month to spread some cheer where it is needed most. In our Colorado restaurants we also offer Wilbur Cares dolls, pigture-perfect stuffed mini-replicas of yours truly, with 100% of the purchase price going to support The Children’s Hospital Foundation. Find a Famous Dave’s location.

I hope you enjoy reading about Marlon’s background and his incredible dedication to the children in need of care. If you feel inspired, you can leave a comment on the Wilbur Cares Facebook.

From Marlon:

After many requests and questions asked as to why I visit Children’s Hospital and do what I do, I have decided to let everyone know my story. My name is Marlon Johnson — father to two beautiful girls ages 21, and 13 —  born in Oslo, Minnesota in 1969. I have been living in Denver for almost 10 years and working at Famous Dave’s for close to five them.

A NEED FOR CARE

A little over four years ago around Christmas as my daughter and I were enjoying our holiday a commercial had come over the television for a hospital that took care of children with cancer. As I sat and watched these poor little kids and what they were dealing with I began to cry, and as I looked down at my daughter I tried to imagine what these kids and their families are going through and what their Christmas holiday must be like stuck inside of a hospital room. At that moment I realized there had to be something I can do to make a difference. I realized how blessed my family is that we have never had to deal with anything like what these poor innocent children have to deal with — These kids should be at home laughing and playing with their new gifts, not being sick and poked with needles and all they go through in their various treatments.

AN IDEA TO MEET THE NEED

As I returned to work I saw my opportunity to do something that would put a smile on the faces of the kids at The Children’s Hospital, it came in the form of our fuzzy pink mascot, Wilbur the pig. I asked my manager if it was possible to take Wilbur with me to visit the kids at the hospital. Without hesitation he endorsed the idea. After a couple of meetings with the hospital’s volunteer department and submitting several stuffed animals for approval I was ready to start my visits, armed with a drove of  Saucesome pink soft plush piglets that I would leave with the kids as a reminder of Wilbur’s visit. My first thought was to purchase them myself but my boss and the generous folks I work for said, “No way. We want to support you and what you’re doing.”

WHAT I GET FROM OUR VISITS

I won’t go into too many details as to what Wilbur and I experience on our visits, as it is extremely private for these families and their children. For Wilbur and I, it is a very exhausting and physically demanding thing to go through. So, when I’m asked, “Why do you do it?” I can say two things: First, because it brings joy and happiness to the kids; and second, I want to make my daughters proud of their daddy.

CREATING “WILBUR CARES” TO GET THE PUBLIC INVOLVED

On a regular visit to The Children’s Hospital we met and were inspired by one little girl in treatment there to find something more to help. Earlier this year, a charity program called “Wilbur Cares” was created, and in all of Famous Dave’s Colorado restaurants guests can buy mini-Wilbur dolls with 100% of the purchase price going directly to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

THANK `QUES

I am blessed to work for such a generous and supportive company. To the little girl who is the inspiration behind Wilbur Cares I say thank you —  for being the little Princess that you are. You have no idea how many other Children you will be helping out.

Now you know more about me and the history of Wilbur Cares. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank everybody who has helped or supported what I do –THANK `QUE.

- Marlon Johnson

WILBUR CARES ON FACEBOOK | FAMOUS DAVE’S ON FACEBOOK | @FAMOUSDAVESCO

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Historic downtown loveland plays host to the 4th Annual Loveland Loves Barbecue cook-off. Teams from around the country will come to Loveland to compete in what is fast becoming the premier event each summer in Northern Colorado. Loveland Loves Barbecue is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event. KCBS competition rules can be found here.

Famous Dave’s will be on hand to cook up Award-Winning St. Louis Style Ribs, BBQ Sandwiches, Slaw and Wilbur Beans for all porkaholics in attendance. Don’t forget to try our chocolate-covered bacon — it’s become a crowd favorite at all our special events!

The festivities (and competition) commence Friday, July 9th from Noon to 9pm and continue Saturday, July 10th from 11am to 6pm at the southwest corner of Cleveland and 5th Street.

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FREE EVENT | MAP | SCHEDULE

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Stop by our grill at Loveland Loves Barbecue and Enter to win the Ultimate Famous Dave’s Backyard BBQ (catered up to $250).

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Welcome to a Star-Spangled edition of the Week in BBQ. We’ll keep the smokers going strong all weekend to feed America’s porkaholics as we celebrate Independence Day the famous way - surrounded by good friends and great BBQ.

June 27 - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb drivers competed on the 156-turn course containing elevation changes of 4,721 feet and both paved and gravel surfaces in the “Race to the Clouds,” America’s second-oldest auto race, which dates back to the inaugural running in 1916. Paul Dallenbach’s Famous Dave’s-sponsored entry took second place, clocking in at just 10 mins 39 seconds. Famous Dave’s was on hand to feed the fans and cheer for three-time overall winner, Paul Dallenbach. Check out the photo gallery on facebook.

July 1 - Music may sooth the savage beast, but nothing brings peace to the table like a big BBQ Feast! Thanks to Leah Lamb for writing about Bobby Egan’s Snoutrageous tale of waging peace with North Korea from his BBQ shack in Hackensack. Check out her write-up on Huffington Post and cruise over to Bobby Egan’s blog for more stories and info on ordering his book, Eating With The Enemy.

July 2 - During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, finally approving it on July 4. (Source: Wikipedia)

July 3-4 Porkaholics in Durango can check out the KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition: Kiwanis Club of Durango’s “Smokin’ 4th BBQ Shootout.” With over $6000 in prizes, you know the grilling’s got to be good. Got a grill of your own going? Head to Famous Dave’s for all your rubs and sauces.

July 4- Independence Day - Join Famous Dave’s for award-winning BBQ at any of our five Colorado locations — or grab a load of `que and watch the fireworks with us in Broomfield at the Great American Picnic.

Stay safe & well fed out there this weekend! X, Wilbur

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Welcome to The Week in BBQ. We hope this first official week of summer found you surrounded by good friends and great barbecue. Here is your weekly round-up of all the news that’s fit to smoke - BBQ news!

Think we missed a good one? Please share it with us in the comments section below!

June 20- A good backyard barbecue party can be an awesome escape from the world outside your front gate - unless a mini-van careens through your fence, narrowly misses your toddler, and lodges in your house. Such was the case in Sacramento. Luckily everybody walked away unharmed. Read more on CBS13.

June 21- Everybody loves to grill, including many people who would do better leaving it to the pros. For example, a UK man lit his mattress on fire with lit charcoals from the grill while driving the items on the back of his truck. Just to be clear, the lesson here is to never drive around with a lit grill in the back of your truck. Read about the witnesses coming together to help put out the fire and save the truck on jackbristol.com.

June 23 - Thanks to race-fans who came out to Famous Dave’s in Colorado Springs to meet 3-time Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Overall Winner, Paul Dallenbach. Famous Dave’s is one of the lead sponsors of the Dallenbach entry. The 2010 Hill Climb takes place Sunday, June 27. Famous Dave’s will be grilling up our greatest hits at the race.

June 23- We came across a study asking 1,532 women questions about their male partner’s cooking habits. 82% of their partners took control of the grill, but only 9% took part in daily cooking. While the science of this survey may not be conclusive, it raises interesting questions. Who does the grilling in your life? Read more on PRlog.

June 25- Famous Dave’s is grilling up our BBQ fare outside the beer garden at the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb FanFest in downtown Colorado Springs. In addition to great BBQ, beer and entertainment, top race qualifiers will display their vehicles (cars, trucks, quads, motorcycles, etc.), give driver demos and be present for autographs. FanFest is a FREE Event. The 2010 Hill Climb takes place Sunday, June 27.

June 26 & 27- Redhill Motorcycle Werx and Famous Dave’s BBQ want to invite you to our “soon to be opened” location in Lyons. We will be serving up Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwiches and Creamy Coleslaw; Plus, there will be beer for our raving fans. Live bands from Noon-3pm Saturday afternoon will include Bill McKay, keyboardist from Leftover Salmon and his band. Get Directions.

June 27 - Pike Peak International Hill Climb with Famous Dave’s BBQ. Get tickets and camping information.

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They won’t let pigs drive - but this little piggy LOVES racecars! That’s why I haven’t stopped squealing since they told me Paul Dallenbach, international endurance, road and rally car driver, six-time Open Wheel Champion and three time Overall Winner at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, will appear at the Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que Restaurant in Colorado Springs to interact with fans and sign autographs on June 23^rd from 4-6pm.

I know a lot of Famous people, but meeting Paul (and hopefully getting to see his car!) will be a serious treat.

Feast on this information:

Famous Dave’s is one of the lead sponsors of the Dallenbach entry.

“We are really excited to have Famous Dave’s on board this year,” said Dallenbach, “they will not only be a sponsor of my team, allowing me to take part in this historic feat, but will also be a great asset to the fans at FanFest on Friday night and on the mountain during the race – great food at a great race!”

Fan Fest on Friday, June 25^th, in downtown Colorado Springs, will feature motorcycle jumpers, beer garden, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, a chili cook-off, live bands and the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and is expected to draw over 35,000 spectators.

Dallenbach will be entered in the Unlimited class this year with his signature 98 car.

“We were at a disadvantage last year because the weather and course had changed so dramatically by the time the Open Wheel class was up,” explains Dallenbach, “this year, we will run at the same time and under the same conditions as the other contenders.”

He takes on stiff competition from Nobuhiro Tajima of Japan and Rhys Millen of New Zealand. Dallenbach has been appearing at the PPIHC since the early 90s (1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2003-2009).

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second oldest motor sports race in America - Only the Indianapolis 500 is older - and a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. First competed in 1916, this year marks the 88th running of the “Race to the Clouds.”  The race will take place on Sunday, June 27 with race related events during the preceding week.

The infamous race is run on a 12.42 mile course with 156 turns that begins at 9,390 feet and finish at the 14,110 foot summit of America’s Mountain - Pikes Peak! As the gutsy drivers climb toward the summit, the thin air slows reflexes and saps physical muscle strength. The thin air - two miles above sea level - also robs engines of 30% of their power at the summit. Competitors and vehicles must be in top shape simply to finish…let alone win!

This year the race has 11 classes and features a variety of automotive, semi-truck, exhibition, open wheel, super stock car, pro-truck and motorcycle classes with a field approaching 200 competitors.

Race Week begins Tuesday, June 22 with Tech Inspection where every vehicle undergoes a rigorous inspection with a concentration on safety issues. Practice and qualifying takes place Wednesday through Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 am on Pikes Peak.

The current record is 10:01.41 and was set by Nobuhiro Tajima in 2007.

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb attracts 11 classes of racers ranging from 250cc motors to 8,000-pound big rig trucks.

There is no other race course in the world like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. It attracts race crews that are willing to spend several hundred thousand dollars and months of preparation to compete for the right to be the King of the Mountain.

That’s all for now, race fans!

Your buddy,

Wilbur

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Welcome to another Slabtastic Friday installment of The Week in BBQ. We’ve been keeping busy around the smoke-house this week, but we always take time to share BBQ-flavored news and information with those who want to know.

June 11-12 Results are in from the Royal Gorge Holy Smoke Bar-B-Que Challenge. Congratulations to the Grand Champion Team, “Sweet Peppers.” For full results, visit the KCBS website.

June 13 - We were honored with the Most Outstanding Presentation award at the 14th Annual Taste of Fort Collins. We’re proud to be adding this award to our 2009 People’s Choice Award.

June 17 - DO AT THE ZOO Famous Dave’s served up Award-Winning Hickory Smoked Ribs and Creamy Coleslaw to support Asian Tropics – the new 10-acre conservation center Denver Zoo recently broke ground on, and Denver Zoo’s field conservation efforts in Asia. Thank to attendees whose contributions help make sure Indian rhinos and other endangered Asian wildlife always have a place in our world.

June 18-19 The town of Frisco hosts the Colorado Barbecue Challenge, a KCBS sanctioned competition. With over $14,000 in prizes, the competition is bound to get hot!

June 19 - HIGHLANDS STREET FAIR - 10:00am to Dusk - Famous Dave’s is grilling up our greatest hits. The family friendly event is for all ages and it’s free. Attractions include a children’s area, classic car show, food courts and beer gardens, along with the vendors featuring everything from jewelry, photography, paintings, ceramics, leather goods, and clothing along the 32nd and Lowell intersection each year. FREE EVENT.

June 19 - FOXES BASEBALL Double-Header at City Park  - 4:00pm -Nothing goes better with America’s Pastime than America’s most Famous BBQ. The Foxes feature top collegiate baseball players from around the country, and, just like Minor League Baseball, provide fun and affordable family entertainment for everyone in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas from June through early August.TICKETS available at the game. Being that I’m a clever pig, I’ve arranged 2 pairs of free tickets, good for any regular-season game. All you have to do is ask! Tweet me or Facebook me and I’ll have a Famous Dave’s employee arrange to put two tickets in the hands of the first two responders.

June 19 - 20 - DENVER PRIDEFEST in Downtown Civic Center Park - Marking its 35th year in 2010, Denver’s PrideFest is a celebration of community, heritage, family and culture in which more than 275,000 people from Colorado and the region enjoy a parade, rally, music, entertainment, food and much more. Denver PrideFest now features four stages of live entertainment, hundreds of vendors, Famous Dave’s BBQ and fabulous people-watching! FREE EVENT.

June 19 - 20 - SPRINGS SPREE - Springs Spree is Colorado Springs’ oldest community celebration. Over the past 32 years, this celebration has been the region’s most anticipated events of the year with up to 70,000 people in attendance, enjoying 2 days of Music, Famous Dave’s BBQ and Free Family Fun For Everyone.  Springs Spree 2010 continues the local tradition of ushering in a summer of excitement.  FREE EVENT.

June 20- Famous Dad’s Day at Dave’s - All Colorado Famous Dave’s will be opening at 10am in celebration of Father’s Day. Not only will Dad love our BBQ, we’ll send him home with a Famous Dave’s Beer Koozie, which he can bring back on his next visit for a Beer on the house. On top of all that, you can enter to win The Ultimate Backyard BBQ for 20 people, or up to $100 in giftcards for Famous Dave’s.

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