[August 25, 2012]
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"Anything Goes," an
unsanctioned, for-fun competition, provided Kansas City Barbeque
Society competitors an opportunity on Friday to get a little
creative and to do something before the big competition on Saturday,
and it had a little prize money too: $500.
Each grilled shish kabob entry was to include a skewer no longer
than the standard 14 inches and to use watermelon, a Lincoln
emblem, in the presentation
Eighteen of the 44 registered competitors entered the competition
that was judged by local first responders. Representatives from
Illinois State Police, Lincoln fire departments, paramedics and
emergency management turned out to help sort out the winners. The
volunteer judges were sequestered in City Hall chambers while
entries were brought into one of Lincoln's historic firehouse bays
at 7:30 p.m. The judges were then brought in and coached step by
step on how to sample the wares and judge for appearance, 1-10
points;
taste, 1-9; and sauce, 1-8.
The food was all declared wonderful, and placement was a close call
from third place down, with the entries within a half-point of each other.
At 9 p.m. Frank Bramwell, chairman of "Anything Goes," announced the
three winners:
First place -- Mmmm Barbeque; Jamie Carruthers of Gurnee
Second place -- All in Que; John Laflen and Dennis Wilber of Mason
City
Third place -- BAD BBQ; Brad and Jennifer Luckhart pictured; Doug DeMay is also a team member.
On Saturday, competition begins with private judging at noon. An
atomic clock is walked around for competitors to set their timers.
They have five minutes either side of the set time and not a second
late, according to Kevin Bateman, a coordinator, to get their entries
in on time: chicken at noon, ribs at 12:30 p.m., pork butt at 1 p.m. and brisket
at
1:30.
While the competitors lining the streets cannot sell their fare
to the public, the public is encouraged to come down and visit,
smell and take in the sights.
There is plenty of great barbecue that is available for purchase
from vendors located at the southwest corner of the courthouse
square, where Pulaski and McLean streets meet.
Pictures by Jan Youngquist |