bbq contest

KCBS BBQ Contest – How it Works …

The KCBS BBQ Contest is a competitive event that is held on the grounds of the Harvard Fall Festival. It is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and run by local KCBS representatives. The contest is judged by KCBS certified BBQ judges. Contestants pay a fee to enter the contest, and compete for cash prizes which are awarded based on voting by the certified judges which takes place on Sunday between 12 and 2 PM. The highest scoring team is awarded the Grand Champion prize, and because the contest has been designated as a “State Championship” contest since 2008, the winner is invited to compete at the American Royal Invitational Cook-off in Kansas City the following year.

Most teams arrive on Friday night to set up camp and begin the food preparation process. KCBS reps run the contest in accordance with strict sanctioning rules, which specify the type of meats are cooked for presentation, type of fuel used, when preparation begins, and even garnishes used at presentation time. On Saturday, a meat inspection is conducted by the contest reps, and for most of the rest of the day, teams are prepping their ribs, beef biscuit, pork butt, and chicken for the slow overnight cooking process that produces all that great smelling and tasting food. Unfortunately, because of MA regulations, contestants are not allowed to sell food to the public from their sites. However, in addition to being a serious cooking competition, this is a social event, and there’s plenty of other cooking and partying going on throughout the afternoon and evening. The BBQ folks are passionate about their cooking and also a very friendly bunch, so plan to spend time down in the camp and you’ll be sure to make some new friends, and learn a lot about BBQ, and have some fun.

Grilling Contest

This year, we will also be holding a separate NEBS grilling contest at the Fall Festival New England Barbeque on Saturday. For additional details go to the 2010 cook’s information package (Cooks Information Pack).

Where Can I Eat some of this Great BBQ ?

People’s Choice Contests

Here’s your chance to sample and vote on your favorite BBQ prepared by participating BBQ Teams. Two contests – one Saturday and one Sunday. Look for the People’s Choice Tent in the Food Court. Both contests start at Noon. Winners will be announced on Sunday with the Main Contests.

BBQ Food Vendors

Professional BBQ Vendors will be selling their own BBQ at the Fall Festival this year. Watch for additional details at www.harvardfallfestival.com