Sponsor Feather Falls Casino & Lodge + Organizer Extraordinaire Ben Lobenstein of Fire It Up! Events = Another great edition of Hot Q's & Cold Brews BBQ Championship in Oroville, CA on September 15-16, 2017.
Forty eight teams from all over California, the Pacific Northwest, Nevada, and as far away as Montana descended on Feather Falls to lay claim to their share of $25,000 in prize money, trophies, and bragging rights in the KCBS-sanctioned four-meat BBQ competition. In addition to the contest, there was the early morning 10th Annual Oroville Veteran's Memorial Motorcycle Rally & Ride 'N Shine with a scenic ride through the Foothills and another $2000 in cash prizes, raffle, and Ride 'N Shine bike show! Add live music, People's Choice barbecue from a variety of vendors, and plenty of craft beer from the onsite Feather Falls Brewing Co. and you're guaranteed a good time! Several people commented that public turn-out seemed much higher this year than last and that vendor sales were up, so that's a good indicator of the growing success of this event now in its third year as a KCBS contest.
Another great thing about this event is that everything that goes on in the casino parking lot benefits local charities, including:
- Oroville Rotary
- Two local high school Safe Grad Night events, cheerleader programs, and booster clubs
- Hope Center
- Oroville Gymnastics
My wife Julie and I made the three hour trek from San Jose to Oroville on Friday and arrived in time for a late lunch at the Feather Falls Brewing Co. inside the casino. At last year's contest, I heard about their over-the-top burgers, so we made a beeline past the slot machines and into the brewery to indulge in half-pound burgers and cold beer. That meal sufficed as both lunch and dinner for Friday!
After lunch, we checked into The Lodge at Feather Falls and settled into our comfy room. Once my food coma subsided, I wandered across the street to say hello to some of the BBQ teams and take photos of their preparations. It was fun talking with teams and watching them inject brisket and pork, trim ribs, and do all the stuff necessary to get turn-ins to the judges starting at 11:00 AM the next day. (This contest turns in entries 1 hour earlier than most KCBS contests.) And some teams were preparing food for their own dinners, so some good smells were already wafting around the site.
Rick Brandini of RBQ working his brisket magic.
Jerry Aguilar of Burnin' & Lootin' BBQ injecting pork butts.
I also attended the 5:00 PM Cooks' Meeting, something that few BBQ judges get a chance to do.
Teams grab bags of ice after the Cooks' Meeting.
Continued...
