Despite the mid-April date on the calendar, summer was in full swing at Grilling on the River, Saturday. Flip flops and tank tops were donned by barbecue lovers of all ages as they enjoyed funnel cakes, fried snickers, frozen lemonade and, of course, lots and lots of barbecue. Proceeds from the two-day event went to the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society.
More than 60 BBQ Championship contestants each had their own secret and plan about how to bring home the 2011 title.
Poppa J”s Stan Johnson felt like this was his year. “I”m going to get very lucky and get six judges that really like my food. I”ve been doing this since 1997 and have at least a dozen secrets.”
But David Douglas of Smokin” Hams said he has a brand new sauce that should blow everyone away. “You”ve got to be confident to win,” he said.
Hank Vaiden of Hank”s No. 1 Champion BBQ and Catering said his experience would win him another championship. Vaiden isn”t a stranger to barbecue competitions. In 15 years he”s won contests all over the South and took home third place in the World Championships in 2009. “My barbecue is supreme,” he said. “Just cook it slow and turn out a good product.”
Not everyone came out just for the cooking though. Meosha Walters said, “It”s just a pretty day to walk around outside.”
“Fun, friends and food is what I came out for,” Vic Langley said. “I live on the river, couldn”t miss it.”
“We had a great crowd last night,” said judge Kathy Hanson. “This whole event has gone very well.”
Winners in the Amateur Catagory
1. Zero to Fire
2. Carquest Cookers
3. Porker Players
Winners in the Pro Catagory
1. QUAU
2. Late Night Whiskey Smokers
3. Wild Bunch Butt Burners
Winners in the Anything Butt Catagory
Catfish
1. Rollin” Rumps Bar-B-Que
2. Road Kill Grill
3. BBQr”s Delight
Sweet Potato
1. Bad Backs &BBQ
2. Big Pig Inc.
3. Road Kill Grill
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