Im VERY biased, but you need to go to the AR BBQ Contest the first weekend in Oct.
The American Royal BBQ in Kansas City is the Best BBQ contest or for that matter, outdoor Cooking Contest in the nation. On their website, they simply say its the largest... "Best" is subjective I guess.
Just across the Kansas state line in downtown KC MO sits the American Royal BBQ Contest - and each year for the last 10 or so, Ive gotten together with friends and family as a team and entered the worlds greatest BBQ contest. Our team name is "Where's the Smoke?" and we've had our share of success. Last year we won the Brisket Category, and we've placed as high as 4th in Pulled Pork. Typically there are 500 or so teams that enter, many of them own restaurants, sell rib rub or hire help to enter the contest - Our team is made up of bankers, Real Estate folk, FloorPlanOnline, Sprint people etc... so its no small feat to compete and win.
If you have never been, A trip to the American Royal BBQ is a must - simply standing in downtown KC the first weekend of October your senses will be engulfed in the sweet smell of apple wood, hickory and mesquite smoke that hints at the tender mouth watering Brisket, Chicken, Pulled pork and Pork Ribs slowly smoking in the cookers, smokers and grills next to Kemper Arena.
For the First timer, the big event for the public is the Friday night Party. There is a small fee at the gate to get on the grounds. Open Contest Teams set up a festival like atmosphere, with food, beer and bands that grove into the night, they seem to stop only for the fireworks show.
Saturday teams are hard at work - but its a blast for the family to watch, simply walking the grounds to view teams with $10,000 smokers, to teams like us with Weber WSM's and the extravagant tents, stages and space set ups is worth a few hours of your time. Several teams bring in Trees, plants and build whole gardens for people to enjoy. Our party is not huge, we have no trees - its pretty laid back, with couches, darts and beer. Infact we mooch off our neighbors who have a good live band.
So Heres the bad news - Parking is sort of a pain in the rear for guests. The tip: there is a bus that goes from Union Station (and other places) that will save you a few bucks and the aforementioned PITA. Also, most of the party's Friday are invitation only - so ask around to find people who are hosting big events. But be sure to check out the Amerian Royal BBQ - Largest BBQ contest in the world.
(If you are an Active Rain agent, give me a ring ahead of time, come try some great award winning BBQ and a beer with me Friday night Oct 2nd!)
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