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This year, 33 teams from around the
Midwest and as far away as Tennessee participated in the Up in Smoke
on the Square Backyard Barbecue competition. As it has been for a
few years, it was a Kansas City Barbeque sanctioned competition with
competitors smoking chicken and ribs.
After preparing and smoking the chicken and ribs all morning,
competitors turned in their chicken by noon and ribs by 12:30 for
the judges to taste the samples. Judges then evaluated the entries
on taste, appearance and texture.
Among the many veteran competitors were several teams new to this
competition, though most of them had participated in other
competitions.
Big James of Dixon, Tennessee was
one new to this particular competition. He uses his own “Big James
Chub Rub” to make the meat special. Big James has the only bologna
rub on the market, which he sells online.
The Ross and Hoss team made up of
Dakota Ross and Kyle “Hoss” Ledbetter said they rub post oak wood to
make their rubs special.
Bobby Q’s Rob Chapman said he
sticks to processes and timelines to make it special.
Newcomers Robin and Eileen Kapnik
of Whatcha Smoking said they are experimenting with rubs and sauces
to see what works best.
Charlene and Darin Wilson of Snake
Holler BBQ says it’s just good barbecue. Before they did
competitions, they started doing backyard BBQ as fundraisers.
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Eric Bogner’s BBQ Body by Q does
backyard barbecues for fun and tries to make the best barbecue he
can. Something unique he does is use a livestock trailer to haul his
equipment.
One of the judges said though the meats are judged on appearance,
texture and taste, taste is really the most important.
While the competition was going on, the downtown square also had
inflatables set up for the kids to enjoy, vendors selling their
wares and several food trucks. Several businesses were open and many
went inside to cool off and shop or eat.
Up in Smoke on the Square
Backyard Barbecue competition thank you to sponsors - Video
When it came time for the awards,
Kevin Bateman thanked the sponsors and others who helped make the
event possible.
The top seven teams in each category were then announced. Each of
these teams received cash prizes and ribbons.
Top prize for both chicken and ribs went to Electro-Que-Ted. Bateman
said the team, who came all the way from Dickson, Tennessee also won
Friday night’s steak contest.
Up in Smoke on the Square
Backyard Barbecue competition winner announcement - Video
Reserve grand champion with a $500
cash prize went to Bramble Q, who came from Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Overall grand champion with a $1000 cash prize went to Electro-Que-Ted,
who also won the top prize for ribs.
The top winners received both ribbons and large plaques.
It was a great weekend for all the activities in Lincoln.
[Angela Reiners]
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