STAGECOACH BBQ CONTEST

INDIO, CA

MAY 2-4, 2008

This BBQ contest was a test of strength as it would be 3 days of straight contests and people’s choice action. The setting for this contest was a polo field in Indio, California, an oasis in the middle of the desert. The contest was set up at one end of the field. The stage for all the country singers was not far from us. The USA Today stated the attendance during the 3 days totaled 120,000 people! Steve arrived on Thursday ahead of Ron, Toni, Ted and Ardith. Vince would have to work and missed the 3-day adventure. 

Toni planned the booth decorations for weeks. She has great ideas and this time she out did herself. We made “wanted” posters for the country theme of the booth contest. Ardith found the brown burnt paper for the wanted posters and provided the pictures to Vince. He used Photoshop to complete the final product. The wanted posters stated “Steve – pitmaster; wanted for great BBQ”. Ron – assistant pitmaster; “wanted for unsolicited advice”. Ted – the runner; “wanted for being quicker than a speeding bullet.”  Toni – the garnish girl; “wanted for decorations supreme. Vince – assistant pitmaster; “wanted for award winning chicken”. Ardith – chuck wagon cook/bottle washer; “wanted for tasty grub”. Toni using a western theme had a saddle, hay, campfire, cactus, tumbleweeds, and even a ceramic rabbit. The booth won 4^th place!

The "anything butt" contest was held on Friday. Ron worked for weeks on his chili and salsa entries, and they were delicious. Steve did chicken wings and sausages. At the awards Steve won 2^nd place for his entry. This was a very exciting win especially since there were 38 teams competing.

On Saturday was the big KCBS contest. Toni and Ron had to work leaving Ted, Ardith and Steve to put it all together. Vince usually does the garnish so now a new learning curve for Ardith. Vince gave great instructions before we left for the contest. Not only did the three of us have to get ready for the contest but also had to do people's choice also. At the awards we got 1st in chicken, 8^th in ribs, 13^th in pull pork, 22 in brisket, and we finished 5^th overall out of 38 teams.  

On Sunday was yet another KCBS contest and people’s choice. Toni and Ron came back so now we were a five person team again. Toni did the garnish for this event and Ron was a big help with the people’s choice. Steve of course got up early both days to prepare and cook the meat. At the awards we got 15^th in chicken, 15^th in ribs, 3^rd in pull pork, 6^th in brisket, and finished 7^th overall out of 25 teams.

What an adventure as Tom Emery, Ben Lobenstein, and Nate out did themselves for the best event ever!Their hard work made everything run smoothly. They are very much appreciated and we look forward to next year.