Backyard Cookers Plan 'Bar B-Q Battle' at The Rec Camp This Weekend

Do you think you have the best barbecue in town? Do you have requests for your homemade beans and salsa? Well, here's your chance to sign up and prove your skills without going into debt or even traveling too far. This Saturday, Aug. 13 at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp in San Angelo, a group of cookers are hosting a 'Bar B-Q Battle.' 

San Angeloan Larry Russell is a co-host for the event and said, "This is the first time that we've done it out at the Rec Camp; it started out as a cook off just among friends."

Brian Sankey and Rodney Fleming are also co-hosts for the event.

"We just did one on Memorial day, and over the last couple of years, we've added one more event so now we're up to three events per year. We usually have one in April with about 10 or 15 teams there, but for this one, at the Rec Camp, we're hoping to get 20 to 25 teams."  

Russell added, "Beginners through experts are welcome; we're just 'back yard barbecuers. None of us are professionals; we're all novice. We've all got our recipes that we're proud of. It's a chance for those who are novice cookers and don't want to spend a lot of money to enter a big official contest to see how they measure up against other back yard cookers."

The categories for this event are: Pork Ribs, Brisket, Beans and Salsa. As for entry fees, it will be $10 for each category, except Salsa, which is a $20 entry fee. The cooks meeting will be at 9 a.m. at the Pavilion where fees will be collected, and turn in times are as follows: Beans and Salsa 3 p.m., Ribs 4 p.m., and Brisket 5 p.m.

Russell noted, "As for the home made salsa contest, we kind of go along the 'honor system' and hope all will make it from scratch.  As for the judges, we ask for volunteers. They're not official sanctioned judges and are picked at random. We try to have five judges for each of the four categories. We've asked all the people who are cooking to make some extra and invite the public to come out and sample. On my pit, I usually make a brisket, and out of that brisket, I'm only turning in five slices; the same with the ribs, of which I'll cook three racks; so just about all the people cooking will have extra."

Above: This original sign shows Aug. 12 and 13, but it's Saturday only.

"We're hoping for a good turnout: teams and guests. This is the first time we've ever done this in a public place so there's no telling. Proceeds from entry fees will pay for the awards and the cost of renting the venue," said Russell.

For more information, please check the group out on Facebook at 'Backyard Bar-B-Q tour,' or call Larry Russell at 656-8431.