Lenoir barbecue competition offering thousands in prize money

Can you cook? Can you smoke meat? Do your friends’ and family’s mouths start watering when you invite them over for ribs and brisket? Then you might have a shot at winning the grand prize at the Smoking In The Foothills Professional BBQ Competition.

The Smoking In The Foothills Professional BBQ Competition is part of the Smoking In The Foothills festival, which will be Oct. 18 and 19, 2019, in Downtown Lenoir. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) and is a State Championship event. However, you do not have to be a KCBS member to enter.

During the competition, teams compete to see who can cook and smoke the best chicken, pork, and beef. Teams can only cook on wood, wood pellets, or charcoal. No gas or electric cooking is allowed. Competitions usually include four categories: chicken, pork, pork ribs, and brisket. Teams have to submit their food for judging at specific times throughout the day.

The first-place prize in the Smoking In The Foothills Professional BBQ Competition ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. The total prize purse is $10,000. Winners also receive a custom wood trophy.

If you think you have what it takes to be a pit master, call Mike Kilby at 828-310-2953 or email smokinginthefoothills@gmail.com for more information about the contest. There is a $250 registration fee and cook teams must follow all KCBS Rules and Regulations.

You can download the entry form at https://www.smokinginthefoothills.com/the-competition.html.

Learn more about the festival at www.smokinginthefoothills.com and check out the video below.

Mayor Joe Gibbons stands behind a table of barbecue competition trophies during the Smoking In The Foothills Festival, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Downtown Lenoir.