On Saturday, September 19, I judged barbecue at Smoke on the River in Sacramento, CA. This was the second year for this event held by The Sacramento Artist Council to raise money for art programs that assist at-risk children, children of homeless families, and fund adopt-a-school art programs for Sacramento regional schools.
Forty-nine teams competed for $4,800 in prize money and bragging rights at one of the largest competitions in NorCal in 2015. Lots of Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers were on-site at the event set among the shade trees of William Land Park. As you'll see in the photos below, shade is important in Sacramento with summer temps routinely in the 90s and higher. But most teams seemed to have nice shady spots and the judge's tent was comfy so we could get our work done without breaking too much of a sweat...other than meat sweats.
In addition to the KCBS barbecue competition, there was a BBQ & Beer Fest with many craft beer and hard cider brewers providing unlimited samples and each of the barbecue teams distributing meat samples for People's Choice judging via a series of booths staffed by the event organizers. And what would an event like this be without some live music?
Congrats to Simply Marvelous BBQ for winning Grand Champion and My Smokin’ Grillfriend for winning Reserve Champion!
Here are some photos of the event...please enjoy!
GC Simply Marvelous BBQ (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
RC My Smokin’ Grillfriend (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Trophies are glass bottles with etched event logo. (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Folks gather prior to the Judges Meeting.
Judges wait for the Southwest Shuffle.
Photo of me during judging. (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Rick Brandini and family of RBQ competition team. Thanks for showing off the WSM Smoke Day t-shirt, Rick!
Teams camped out under shade trees at William Land Park.
Bullet & Eggs.
Forty-nine teams competed for $4,800 in prize money and bragging rights at one of the largest competitions in NorCal in 2015. Lots of Weber Smokey Mountain Cookers were on-site at the event set among the shade trees of William Land Park. As you'll see in the photos below, shade is important in Sacramento with summer temps routinely in the 90s and higher. But most teams seemed to have nice shady spots and the judge's tent was comfy so we could get our work done without breaking too much of a sweat...other than meat sweats.
In addition to the KCBS barbecue competition, there was a BBQ & Beer Fest with many craft beer and hard cider brewers providing unlimited samples and each of the barbecue teams distributing meat samples for People's Choice judging via a series of booths staffed by the event organizers. And what would an event like this be without some live music?
Congrats to Simply Marvelous BBQ for winning Grand Champion and My Smokin’ Grillfriend for winning Reserve Champion!
Here are some photos of the event...please enjoy!
GC Simply Marvelous BBQ (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
RC My Smokin’ Grillfriend (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Trophies are glass bottles with etched event logo. (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Folks gather prior to the Judges Meeting.
Judges wait for the Southwest Shuffle.
Photo of me during judging. (Photo Credit: Smoke on the River Facebook)
Rick Brandini and family of RBQ competition team. Thanks for showing off the WSM Smoke Day t-shirt, Rick!
Teams camped out under shade trees at William Land Park.
Bullet & Eggs.
