Polar Bear Challenge Results

This contest definitely lived up to it's name, at least temperature-wise, however we did get a couple snow flurries blow through which didn't amount too a whole lot.  Now the wind and cold were a different matter - the wind was just howling Friday with wind chills easily in the lower 20's.  While the wind did die down for a sunny turn-in on Saturday the air was still a bit brisk.

The enclosed trailer with a heater removed me from the elements and I was warm an cozy the whole weekend.  However, the smokers were affected to some degree, but it wasn't anything that was insurmountable.  The whole cook went very good for me and I was very pleased with what I presented to the judges.

Now the judges on the other hand...just kidding.  The judges had some great turn-ins to score - there were 14 teams competing that were at last years American Royal Invitational i.e. they won at least one Grand Championship in 2011!  The winner of the American Royal Invitational and the Sam's Club National BBQ Tournament was there in addition to the team that placed second nationally last year in the KCBS point's chase.  Wow, what tough crowd.  Back to the judging, I was overall please with my scores, they were for the most part very high.  I had two judges for the chicken, pork and brisket that were a bit out of line from the other four and as such, I didn't fare too well on these scores, but that's just life and personal preference.  The ribs on the other hand, I had all the judges agree that they liked what I presented them and they blessed me with a 4th Place finish in Ribs.  Any call at this contest would have been great and I was fortunate to get one.  Overall I placed 25th out of 56 teams.  Not too bad for the first time out this year.

We'll see how it goes at Pleasant Hill - not changing a thing, so it will be a good comparison. 

Wild Blue BBQ

We will make our return to Burlington, Kansas, July 20-21, 2012 for the Wild Blue BBQ contest.  This is a yearly must-go-to contest for us - it's a blast!  Friday night of the contest, the judges come to your site to judge three categories - it's a chance to actually show off for the judges which in recent years has become quite a show for us.  Every year we seem to add something and even won the Pit Theme and appetizer categories last year.  We have already started planning for this year's contest and are going to try to out-do what we did last year.

Smokin' In The Ozarks

This will be a first for us - our first venture into Arkansas!  We'll be in Rogers, Arkansas April 27-28, 2012, for the Smokin' In The Ozarks BBQ contest at the Pig Trail Harley Davidson store.  I don't know a whole lot about this contest, but it was highly recommended by a friend, Tim Gray, who I met in Joplin, Missouri during Operation BBQ Relief.  It will be interesting how many big names show up for this one.

Wheel 'n' Squeels BBQ Challenge

They're coming hot and heavy now - one more added.  I just completed the on-line registration for Wheels 'n' Squeels, Olathe, Kansas on August 3-4, 2012.  This will be our 3rd consecutive year here and we are really looking forward to it.  The organizers treat the teams very good and there are usually numerous activities for guests - cars shows, helicopter rides, etc.  It also boast of drawing some of the best teams in the Midwest, so we will definitely have to have our "A" game going as we head into August. 

Great Mall BBQ Contest

Time to add a new contest for us.  This will be the second year for the Great Mall BBQ Contest in Olathe, Kansas, May 18-19, 2012, and our first time to compete here.  Last year they had 60 teams and are going to expand to 100 teams this year.  The organizers state that they are going to offer first rights to the original 60 teams then open registration for the remaining spots on a first come, first serve policy.  We sent our application in a day after this announcement was made, so with any luck we will get in, but we have a bit to wait for confirmation.

Paola Roots Fest

And another...This time for the Paola Roots Fest in Paola, Kansas, August 24-25, 2012.  This is one of our favorite contests - the organizers have live bands on stage all day Friday and Saturday headlined by major recording artists.  We host normally host a party each night and have a great time with friends and family.  This is one contest we stick around for even after the award's ceremony is over.  


This will be our 6th year competing, hopefully with better results & the same great time as in previous years.

Smoke In The Spring

One more added...Just sent in the entry form for Smoke In The Spring in Osage City, Kansas, April 6-7, 2012.  This contest boasts as an all weather contest and believe me they know what they are talking about.  The first year we were there, we were blessed with over five inches of snow on Friday night.  We weren't prepared for this storm at all, but we learned a valuable lesson - be prepared for anything.  Last year the conditions were ideal - sunny skies, little or no wind, and no precipitation, too bad I couldn't cook worth a damn.  Hopefully this year we will see better results.