2023 sponsorship
options available
2023 sPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring the Q? Learn more.

Security 1st Title
Security1st.com
why sponsor the q?

Grow Your Reach
Are you looking to reach the Derby community and beyond? Look no further.

Pay it Forward
Proceeds from The Q go to McConnell Airforce Base Military and Family Readiness Center.

Increase Brand Exposure
Support the largest community event in Derby (and we’ll make sure everyone knows it).

Join the fun!
The Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ and Music Festival, hosted by the City of Derby, is Derby’s most popular community event. Being a sponsor allows you to support the largest community event of the year, while you reach new customers, grow your business and show you are #DerbyProud.
This is the 12th year of the BBQ and it has been free to the public each year because of our amazing sponsors. Proceeds from tasting kits and team entries are paid forward to the McConnell Airforce Base Military & Family Readiness Center.
The City of Derby has donated $23,000 of its proceeds from this event to the center over the last 10 years. The center’s goal is to provide mission-ready personnel with diverse offerings of family programs and services throughout their military life cycle.
Sponsorship opportunities
Interested in one of the sponsorships, voluteer or in-kind donation opportunities below? Fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page and we will be in touch.
Booth space is only available to sponsorships of $700 and above.
$10,000 Presenting Sponsorship
Presenting Sponsor. The Presenting Sponsor will receive local and regional exposure as the headline name for Derby’s largest community event. Your business name will appear anytime the event is mentioned or printed as, “The Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ and Music Festival, presented by _______.”
Other benefits inlcude:
- A short, professional video about the sponsor and sponsorship.
- Up to three BBQ Quick Tip videos “sponsored by _______.”
- 10 Free Tasting Kits for People’s Choice
- Prime placement in the May Derby News (10,000+ distributed).
- Placement of up to five banners (provided by sponsor).
- 20′ x 20′ booth space.
- Opportunity to provide giveaways at concerts.
$3,500 Sponsorships
Mainstage Sponsor. The Smoke on the Plains Derby BBQ and Music Festival will feature live music on June 9 and 10. You have the opportunity to brand the High Park amphitheater and stage with your company’s name and logo. The name of your business will be included each time this event is mentioned. Your sponsorship will help offset the cost of the bands.
Military Night at Rock River Rapids Sponsor. Show your appreciation for McConnell AFB by sponsoring a free evening at Rock River Rapids for active duty/reserve members, retirees and their families. The name of your business will be mentioned each time these events are mentioned. Your sponsorship will help offset the costs of facility rental and food/drink at Rock River Rapids.
People’s Choice Sponsor. Peoples Choice allows BBQ attendees to sample and vote for their favorite competition BBQ. Cash prizes are paid to the top five finishers. The name of your business will appear every time this event is mentioned.
Kids Corner Sponsor. The Kids Corner includes inflatables, face painters, princesses and more. Your sponsorship will help underwrite the costs of the entertainment. The name of your business will appear every time this event is mentioned.
All $3,500 sponsorships include:
- Company logo and website link on Derbybbq.com
- Event and sponsor advertising in the Derby and Wichita Metro area
- Prime placement in the May Derby News (10,000+ distributed).
- Placement of up to 4 banners at event.
- 5 Free Tasting Kits for People’s Choice
- 20′ x 20′ booth space
- Opportunity to provide giveaways at concerts.
$2,500 Sponsorships
KCBS BBQ Cook-Off Sponsor. The Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-off is a sanctioned contest with teams from Kansas and surrounding states. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion receive cash prizes and banners. Cash and ribbons are given out down to 10th place in four categories. The name of your business will appear every time this contest is mentioned.
SCA Sanctioned Steak Cook-Off Sponsor. The Steak Cook-Off brings participants from out-of-state to compete in this sanctioned event. Prizes are paid for first through tenth place. The name of your business will appear every time the contest is mentioned.
Backyard BBQ Cook-Off Sponsor. This KCBS competition allows your neighborhood grill lover to compete at the BBQ festival, as both chicken and pork ribs will be judged by KCBS judges. The name of your business will appear every time Backyard BBQ Cook-Off is mentioned.
All $2,500 sponsorships include:
- Company logo and website link on Derbybbq.com
- Prime placement in the May Derby News (10,000+ distributed).
- Placement of one banners at event.
- 5 Free Tasting Kits for People’s Choice
- 20′ x 20′ booth space
- Opportunity to provide giveaways at concerts.
$700 BBQ Champion Sponsorships
Team Breakfast Sponsor. Breakfast is served! This sponsorship provides a delicious breakfast for all BBQ teams to enjoy on Saturday morning. the name of your business will appear every time the Team Breakfast is mentioned. The sponsor is also invited to set up a vendor table and attend the breakfast.
BBQ Champion. Sponsor the BBQ and receive the benefits below. This sponsorship is not limited to one business.
All $700 sponsorships include:
- Company logo and website link on Derbybbq.com
- Prime placement in the May Derby News (10,000+ distributed).
- Placement of one banner at event (provided by sponsor).
- 10′ x 10′ space to promote your business.
$400 BBQ Supporter Sponsorships
Support the BBQ and receive the benefits below. Please note this sponsorship does not include a booth space. This sponsorship is not limited to one business.
- Company logo and website link on Derbybbq.com
- Placement of one banner at event (provided by sponsor).
Volunteer or Donate
Businesses that provide an in-kind donation or volunteers will receive a sponsorship package of equal dollar value to the donation. Please note in-kind donors will be recognized in a listing of in-kind sponsors on DerbyBBQ.com and the Facebook event page.
Donations could include meals for volunteers/teams, promotional giveaways, or items to help support the event.
Volunteers are needed to run the Peoples Choice event, supervise the Kids Corner, and help with the cleanup of the event.
Learn More
Fill out the form to learn more about the cost and benefits of each sponsorship opportunity.