Ron Hoch, Toni Hoch, Ardith Richardson, Ted Richardson, Vince Madaule, Steve Madaule (not pictured Vicki Madaule)

GO FOR THE GOLD ROUTE 66 BBQ CONTEST GRAND CHAMPIONS

It was exciting to say the least at the first annual “Go for the Gold Route 66 BBQ contest” held at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville June 8 - 10.  This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event was held in memory of Joe Davison with 21 teams representing California and Arizona.

We arrived in Victorville on Friday afternoon and got settled into our spot on the grass, which had shade, power, and water ready for us.  Saturday was very busy with 6 different turn-ins from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.

We placed 1st in dessert with Lemon Squares.  This is the “triple crown” as it’s the 3rd time out and all three times they took 1st place! Now everyone teases us about the lemon squares and wants us to "retire" them. 

We got 4th place in the "Anything Butt" category which consisted of sausage gravy, eggs, Johnsonville sausage, and a biscuit.

We received 1st place in chicken. Many of the entrants were teams we have competed with throughout the year, so it was really a big deal to get 1st place!  We placed 2nd in ribs, 2nd in pull pork, and 10th in Brisket. When the scores were all tallied we were awarded the Grand Champion!

This year, in addition to the KCBS Sanctioned competition, Sunday featured Two Trees Products "Best of the West BBQ Challenge", consisting of tri-tip and chicken.  The "Best of the West BBQ Challenge" provided the meat and gave us an opportunity to be creative. Using your own plate and any garnish!  We received 1st place in chicken and 5th place in tri-tip.  What a weekend!!!!!!