Konocti Vista Casino Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition

September 5 - 6, 2009

Clear Lake, California 

This event proved to be a challenge just getting to the Clearlake. Steve and Ardith would be the only team members going to this BBQ contest. Ted stayed home because of his Mom’s illness. Toni and Ron couldn’t attend because Toni had her gallbladder out during that week, and Vince had to work. 

Steve and Ardith started out at 6:00 am for the long drive to Clearlake, California. All was going well when they stopped at a rest area about 3 hours into the trip. Steve noticed a flat tire on the truck. He proceeded to change the tire; luckily we are in the rest area parking lot. They proceed on up interstate 5 to Wesley to get some diesel. A truck pulled up beside them as they were exiting the freeway and said the tire on the BBQ trailer was on fire. Ardith looked in the review mirror and sure enough it was smoking. So Steve had to change the tire on the trailer, now there were no more spare tires! It was a long, slow, quiet ride to Stockton as the other tire on the trailer was wobbling, so now there was a fear that the axle was broken. They made it to Stockton and found an American Tire store and Steve had to buy 6 new tires. Turns out the tire was wobbling because of the tire itself, once it was replaced all was well. They arrived in Clearlake about 3 hours past the estimated time of arrival. 

The venue for this BBQ was great, with the hotel in the same parking lot as the campground and the casino. Everything was within walking distance. Julie Smith, our webmaster, came on Saturday, to help us with people’s choice. 

At the awards we finished 5^th overall with a 14^th in chicken, 10^th in ribs, 1^st in pull pork, and 3^rd in brisket. 

We wish to thank Kelly and Kathleen MacIntosh for the great job in representing this contest. The highlight of the evening was fireworks over the water. To all of the casino workers and promoters, it was a great contest. Our thanks to you all!