| Barbecue competitions are fun! Here's some great | | | | However... there are three ways that will enable you |
| information to help you get started in your first | | | | to taste the contestants’ BBQ... |
| contest. | | | | 1) You can become a certified judge through the |
| BBQ Competitions are great fun and I encourage you | | | | barbecue association of your choice and then |
| to enter one in your area and find out for yourself | | | | volunteer to be a judge in a contest. This is a great |
| how much fun they are. Our book Competition | | | | way to learn how the system works and how real |
| BBQ Secrets has helped many teams take Grand | | | | competition BBQ tastes. This is a great tip... become a |
| Champion and Reserve Grand Champion and many | | | | barbeque judge first and then a competitor. The |
| other high finishes in the four main barbecue | | | | contests always need good, certified judges and |
| categories... ribs, pork, chicken, and brisket. If you | | | | you’ll also be able to take home what you |
| want to get your feet wet before entering a big | | | | can’t eat when you are judging. |
| contest, try just entering the backyard | | | | 2) You can become a volunteer helper at the |
| division in a local competition. That’s a | | | | contest. Most of the contests are run by non-profit |
| category where you will only compete against other | | | | organizations and they need plenty of help. |
| beginners and amateurs. It’s a great way to | | | | Here’s a little secret... all the contestants are |
| get a feel for things before you start competing | | | | required to turn in a specific amount of servings |
| against the big boys. And don’t forget | | | | (let’s say 8). 6 of those servings will go to the |
| the other side competitions like whole hog, | | | | judges. They take a small bite of each and then |
| anything but BBQ competitions, pie contests, sauce | | | | throw the rest in their container they brought with |
| contests, invitational only contests, Kid’s Q, | | | | them to take home. The other servings go to the |
| etc. | | | | volunteers and table captains to munch on after the |
| Of course, you can always just visit a local contest | | | | contest. |
| as a spectator. But I have to warn you... you will not | | | | 3) Sometimes they have what they call a |
| be able to taste the different competitors’ | | | | people’s choice contest. The contestants |
| BBQ. They usually only cook enough to turn into the | | | | submit their entries and the entries are divided up |
| judges and maybe a little extra for themselves and a | | | | into small portions. When it’s your turn, you |
| few friends. If you ask nicely, some of them might | | | | will be presented with a tray of six numbered |
| throw you a bone or two, but don’t count on | | | | samples. You taste them all and rate them on how |
| it. Actually, they are not allowed to sell BBQ unless | | | | well they tasted. |
| they have also paid a vending fee to the sponsor of | | | | To get a schedule of events in your area, I |
| the contest. So... there should be plenty of vendors | | | | recommend you visit your local BBQ Association web |
| selling BBQ, but you can’t go taste testing all | | | | site and check out their calendar of events. Some |
| the contestants’ BBQ. | | | | useful web sites are... |