Best North American Barbecue Contests
Our Picks: 10 ? 9 ? 8 7 ? 6 ? 5 4 ? 3 ? 2 1
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Memphis in May World Championship
Location: Memphis, Tennessee What?s Cool: The pork, the whole pork, and nothing but the pork ? with a side of soulful Memphis music   The "Superbowl of Swine" draws 90,000 spectators and the winners of some 50 contests sanctioned by "Memphis In May," an organization that deems pork cooked solidly over wood (preferably) or charcoal the only true barbecue. The competition consists of three pork-only categories ? whole hog, shoulder, ribs ? plus a Patio Porkers division that pits backyard barbecuers against cook-off-quality chefs. Nearly 100,000 turn up for the competition, part of the month-long "Memphis In May" blowout that also features the Beale Street Music Festival, International Week and the Great Southern Food Festival. And because it?s Memphis, which claims to be birthplace of both rock 'n' roll and the blues, count on hearing plenty of world championship music. Address: Tom Lee Park
When: Mid-May Contact: (901) 525-4611 Price: $6 Web: www.memphisinmay.org/Barbecue/index.html |
Best North American Barbecue Contests
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American Royal Barbecue
Location: Kansas City, Missouri What?s Cool: Biggest and oldest barbecue contest  In 1981 the Kansas City Barbecue Society founded the event that now kicks off the venerable (founded 1899) and huge American Royal Livestock, Horse Show & Rodeo. Over 600 judges choose the barbecue winners of both the Invitational contest, restricted to winners of other cook-offs worldwide, and the Open contest, which welcomes all who wish to participate. Another 400 judges choose the best barbecue sauce, side dishes and bone art. The world?s third-largest clogging contest, a barbecue equipment expo and live music are also on the menu. Address: American Royal Center
When: October 6-7, 2000 Contact: (816) 221-7979 Price: $8 Web: http://www.americanroyal.com/bbq.htm |
Jack Daniel?s World Championship
Location: Lynchburg, Tennessee
What?s Cool: The Holy Grail for serious slow cookers, but not a drop of Jack
What?s Cool: The Holy Grail for serious slow cookers, but not a drop of Jack
Teams have to be good and lucky to get to Lynchburg, located 75 miles south of Nashville. First, they must win first place in a contest with over 50 contestants or in a governor-designated state championship. But since over 80 cookers a year clear that hurdle, they must also be lucky enough to win one of the 50 available spots in this contest through a lottery. A half dozen or so contestants sell their barbecue to spectators who can also tour the Jack Daniel distillery and play specially designed games, like Ladies Rolling Pin Toss, Bug Pitching and Butt Bowling (a "Boston Butt" is a cut of pork shoulder used as the ball). But they can?t buy a shot of the sponsor?s famed Tennessee whisky, beer or any other alcoholic beverage because tiny Lynchburg (population 361) is marooned in the middle of ?dry? Moore County.
Address: Wiseman Park
When: Fourth Saturday of October
Contact: (816) 221-7979
Price: Free
World?s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Location: Houston, Texas
What?s Cool: Texas-sized picnic in the shadow of Houston?s Astrodome
What?s Cool: Texas-sized picnic in the shadow of Houston?s Astrodome
If bigger is better, this colossal Lone Star State contest has the winning numbers: nearly 350 contestants and 150,000 guests on a fragrant smoke-filled 45-acre plot. The contest has been a component of the world?s largest Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 1973. Every year prizes are awarded in three categories ? brisket, chicken, ribs ? plus an overall winner and additional awards for most unique barbecue pit, cleanest area, best recycling and best team skit. Price of admission includes entertainment by local and regional performers, Texas two-step dancing, and one chopped brisket sandwich with beans and slaw.
Address: Houston Astrodome Parking Lot
When: Mid-February
Contact: (713) 791-9000
Price: $5
Web: http://www.hlsr.com/skoaworld.html