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Where is your favorite contest and why???

FM Former Member
Okay, things have been a bit slow over here lately. I'm anxious for the season to start. We kick off the year with the new Cabela's contest the first of March here in KC.

Other than the Jack Daniel's and the American Royal, what is your favorite contest and why?

This is a tough question to answer for me, but one of my all time favorites is Great Bend, Kansas. The money isn't good and they usually only get about 25 teams. I'm guessing that being in the middle of Kansas in July plays a big role (think heat). However, Kent Romine is the organizer and you will be hard pressed to meet a more energetic, enthusiastic guy. This contest is on a former airport runway. Plenty of power for everyone. If you'd prefer grass, simply back up a little and you're on the grass. If you're lucky, Kent brings by a few fresh homemade tamales on Friday night. Very early Saturday morning he goes out into his own field and picks a dozen ears of sweet corn for each team and delivers them with a dozen donuts. They have a peoples choice that always brings out a big crowd. Kent gives you all the briskets you can cook. Two years ago they were prime grade. On Saturday morning his staff delivers a folding table and a trash can to your site. They provide a person complete with his/her own cutting board and knife to hand out samples to the public. Folks drop tickets in a jar if they like your food. Every team that participates in the people choice receives money. Last year the cut was something like $55 per team. Don't laugh, that's gas money for many teams and that way everyone goes home with a like cash.

There are many very good contests. Brainderd, MN had a really great contest for a couple years. As soon as I hit "Add New Topic" I'll think of another one, but the Great Bend contest is pretty awesome. This year they have added a "Chest to Chest" contest to rival the "Butt to Butt" contest in Shannon, IL on the same weekend. Don't quote me, but I think they have $5K for this Friday brisket invitational contest. Should be a great addition.

So, let's hear your favorite contest of the season.

Rod
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R ribdogMember
I think I have three favorite contests. The first is the Jack. For three years I have been fortunate enought to be there as a volunteer worker. I may have to work for my bed at night but it is such a good time seeing everyone and I always enjoy helping out Tana and Marsha and the rest of the crew from Jack Daniels.

The second is Tryon NC. Last year was the first I missed being at the contest since I started judging back in '98. I think I like it so much because of the countryside, the number of teams in one place, and the little restaurant, Car-o-mi, just west of town. I always have a good time there.

And last but not least is Dillard GA. This is a contest that I have not missed being at since I started judging. It is close enough to one of my client's vacation homes that I stay there. And Jane has always been a tremendous contest organizer.

But I have to say that these days, when I can get away for a contest, they all seem to be my favorites. To get to see all my friends is a great thing.

John
FM Former Member
Last year was our first year of competition so we haven't been around like most teams, but here is what we liked last year. Lynch Livestock Pig Stampede in Waucoma, IA was great. The other that was good with a lot of Great teams was the Pork BarbeQlossal in Des Moines. Hope we can try some new ones this year and hopefully we will get some suggestions from the Forum.

PS. The Great Bend Comp sounds great, we might have to try that one. Do you think a team from Minnesota would be welcome??
FM Former Member
Any team from anywhere will be welcome in Great Bend. Kent is a great host and contest organizer. Bring shorts. It is pretty hot in central Kansas in July. Power will not be an issue. Us pellet cookers have to consider that at every contest.

I attended BarbeQlossal last year for the first time as a spectator/dishwasher. We want to cook it this year. I might have to agree with you. I loved that they virtually rolled up the streets at 5:00PM on Friday. That was an interesting twist.

John, I'll have to get to Dillard and/or Tryon some day. Those both sound like good events.

Rod
FM Former Member
I've been very lucky to be a part of Jack Daniel's for 5 years. One day I'd be honored to cook it!

Dillard is a favorite of mine. It is so beautiful and the bluegrass music and the grits and the cabbage and Terrell and Jane. Plus, first big call for me. Be interesting this year, cooking all categories instead of just one (substitute Brisket Chick -- Chicks in Charge). Be more pressure, I had lots of time to visit in 2004.

Lebanon, TN, Wilson County Fair, great contest! The mingling aromas of livestock and wood smoke in the chilly (August!!) air and the etherial sounds of Peruvian flutists hawking CDs are bound together in my mind.

All in all, I've enjoyed every contest I was lucky to make it to in 2004, whether judging or cooking. I expect I'll do the same this year!
FM Former Member
Hey Rod, I like this post. I'm usually just a lurker but thought I would give my 2 cents.
This will be our 5th year competing & I must say
Bellevue, Nebraska is at the top of my list.
The location is at a Large RV park along the Missouri river. Lots of grass trees, nice large spots for our trailers and water / electric hook-ups. Not to mention this is a very well organized contest and it is only 80 miles from home.
FM Former Member
Harpoon Brewery in Vermont and It's not just because of the free beer. The staff at the brewery are great and they do whatever they can for the teams. I really enjoy the after hours time hanging out with the brewers and the management of the brewery. Great people and a great time.

Steve
FM Former Member
Well last year was our first year as well, and we got started in late July at the Flint Hills Beef Fest in Emporia KS, and I have to say, it was a big contest >75 teams, and it was our first, but they took great care of us, especially since we were newbies, and the town realy supports the contest, so we were treated very well, it is a must do on our list this year as well.

I ma going to participate in Kent's BBQ class next week, and just from talking to him, I cna see how he would run a kick butt contest, and it is also on our list as well.

www.license2grill.com has a list of the ones we are attending this year, and if any of you are there, stop by and say hi to a soon to be pellet head, and I will buy you a beer.

THANKS

Christian

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