You do not want to miss out on some of the best BBQ around this Friday and Saturday on the Memphis Square!
The 5th Annual Walkin’ in Memphis BBQ Contest will take place on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28. There will be around 15 teams competing this year and the contest is sanctioned by the Heartland BBQ Society.
Kelly Ray, of Memphis, MO, has competed in BBQ competitions for the last 20 years. When he moved here, Kelly wanted to start up a BBQ contest in the area. He teamed up with Trever Harris and they started the Walkin’ in Memphis BBQ Contest five years ago. This year’s event will be better than ever.
“Before, we’ve just been an open contest. This year we are sanctioned and with the sanctioning brings us a lot more teams,” Ray explained.
Each team is from Iowa or Missouri and they have competed all summer long at other BBQ events. Kelly is the president of the Heartland BBQ Society and he is excited about this year’s contest in Memphis.
“This is the final contest of the year for Heartland BBQ Society. The year-end points championships will literally be decided on who cooks the best at Memphis,” Ray said.
Friday evening will kick off at 7:00 p.m. with free wings for the public to enjoy on the east side of the Memphis Square. The free wings are sponsored by Hillside Gun Shed. From 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the band BootCut will be entertaining the crowd. The band is sponsored by Oberholtzer Plumbing.
On Saturday, the BBQ competition will begin! The gates will open at Noon and the cost to enter is $10.00. After entering, you will get an armband and be able to enjoy samples of some of the best BBQ around.
Awards will be handed out for Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, People’s Choice, and the top three in each category will receive cash prizes. The four categories include chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. The judges for this BBQ event are all certified judges.
There will be adult beverages available in a VIP room at the Boyer Event Center both days. There will also be vendors set up at the event.
Kelly encourages people to come out to a BBQ contest, especially if you have never been to one before.
“It’s $10.00 worth of fun and seeing your friends and learning some stuff about BBQ. It is just a good time,” Ray said.
“It is pretty fun to watch people walk around and see what their reaction is to really really good BBQ.”
Come out and enjoy some delicious food on Friday and Saturday at the 5th Annual Walkin’ in Memphis BBQ Contest!
If anyone has any questions about the Walkin’ in Memphis BBQ Contest, you can contact Kelly Ray at 660-651-9286.
