5^th Annual West Coast BBQ Championship

Fairfield, California

August 15 – 16, 2008

This was our 3^rd time at the Fairfield Tomato Festival and each year it gets better.  Ben Lobenstein and Nate did a great job organizing this event as there was something for everyone.

Steve had asked Gary Notley and Brian Kreisler from “Notley Crew BBQ team” if they would like to ride with him to Fairfield and they accepted. Ted and Ardith left on Thursday morning and stopped in Clovis for lunch to check out the QN4U BBQ House owned by Brent and Kim Walton. We highly recommend stopping by and trying the deep fried hot dog wrapped in bacon! The restaurant is decorated western style and is really nice, and the food outstanding. Toni, Ron, and Vince had to work so they would not be making this trip. Ted and Ardith arrived at the KOA campground near the California Delta waiting for Steve, Gary, and Brian to arrive. We spent the night and then left on Friday morning for Fairfield and an action packed, fun filled weekend.

Ben and Nate were there to greet us and show us to our spot. We set up and spend most of the day trying to keep cool. Then the Fairfield wind came up and did cool things off, but also made it hard to cook at times. Julie and Rick Smith, Ted and Ardith’s daughter and son-in-law from Kelseyville joined us in the evening for dinner. Julie would be making the dish for the “All about Tomato” entry. Ardith would be doing the dessert turn-in. Steve Ted and Rick prepared the meat and everyone turned in early for a busy Saturday.

Saturday morning was very busy as usual preparing for the 6 turn-in’s. All Hogs go to Heaven did quite well when it was time for the awards. We placed 5^th overall out of 40 teams with an 1^st in ribs, 3^rd in chicken, 6^th in pork, 26 in brisket.  We placed 3^rd in dessert out of 12 teams, and 8^th in all about tomato out of 16 teams.

It was a great contest thanks to Ben and Nate’s organization. Thanks also to KCBS Reps Kelly and Kathleen MacIntosh. With over 60 teams they worked so hard to get all the events judged and awards presented in a reasonable time.  It was fun to meet some new teams and spend time with other BBQ friends; we are already looking forward to next year.