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Things were really smokin’ in Niagara Falls, NY
By Rocky Danner World Barbecue Association
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Rocky Danner
Grillin' Grills |
This is the second year of assisting the folks at the National BBQ Festival and National Barbecue News with the Smokin’ Eagles BBQ Festival in Wheatfield, NY. I was picked up at the Buffalo, NY, airport by Larry Damon and arrived just in time at the Summit Mall parking lot, located in Wheatfield, for the cooks and judges meeting with Joe, Carlene, and Kell Phelps, assisted by Gwen Dorminey who was in charge of scoring.
The location alone should fill the competition area, with Niagara Falls and the Seneca Niagara Falls Casino and Hotels. Speaking of hotels, the Seneca is one of the best I have ever stayed in while at a contest. Everything from super clean spacious rooms to a buffet with several hundred items to choose from and valet parking, my stay was ever great. I will return to visit Seneca. I would love to see this contest moved to the hotel, near the parking area, since they have space for several hundred teams with the convenience of rooms and entertainment close by. It would be the best location around.
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Rocky Danner
Red Pie Bird (&?pie) |
The contest is governed by the rules and regulations of the Best of the Best Invitational Barbecue (National BBQ Festival), located in Douglas, GA. There were 20 international teams, seven backyard teams, and two in the Kid’s Q, plus a contest between the town supervisors from Wheatfield and Niagara. Five entered the pie contests and is one of my favorites to judge. One entry was presented in an old style ceramic pie plate complete with a black pie bird. I usually only see pie birds in Europe. This was a first to see in the States for many years.
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Rocky Danner
Regal BBQ - Grand Champion & coming to the Best of the Best |
The teams could cook three of four items which consisted of chicken, ribs, pork, or brisket, and to my surprise, most opted not to cook chicken. The contest area is located in a large parking lot of the shopping mall with enough room to set up a hundred or more teams. There were several food vendors on site with everything from fresh corn on the cob to a complete sit down and dine area, and craft and BBQ equipment sales — there was truly something for everyone. The only down side was the mall was having an auction of the entire contents. I hate to see it happening, but they say it is a sign of the times. I hear it is to be torn down and hopefully rebuilt.
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Rocky Danner
The Swine Syndicate (Kid's Q winners). |
On Saturday there were teams from Canada and as far south as Virginia competing for the cash and bragging rights of winning the Smokin’ Eagles International BBQ. Come barbecue day, the area was filled with visitors who came out to see the competition and taste the southern style barbecue. The teams were busy turning in their entrees and answering questions from the crowd while Kell, Carlene, and Gwen were busy setting up the judging area and working as judging assistants. Joe and I filled in as judges where needed and we had some great entrees,
The following day we judged the backyard and kid’s Q. The children really got into it as they were dressed up in matching uniforms. The entrees were great and some of the best pork I judged was from the kids Q.
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Rocky Danner
Winner of Town Supervisor's Cup |
I do not know how Honcho, his beautiful wife Karen, and a few helpers get the job done. Thanks to Nelson, the electrical system worked just fine. Thanks to Pam Rivers, Chris Chadwick, Kathy Kovacs, Larry Damon, and Tammy Pelsone. I may have missed some and if so, thanks for your help, too.
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Rocky Danner
Kell Phelps ... getting those boxes ready! |
This could be a premier contest with the Niagara Falls and the New Seneca Casino/Hotel in the background. In my humble opinion, some work on the roads would be a step forward. It was a rough ride — even in Larry’s new Caddy, and I was unable to find little if any advertisement in the area about the contest. The towns and local community are losing out big time to folks who might plan their vacations to the area for the contest and visit the local attractions.
Why not add this contest to your calendar next year. The casino and Falls alone are worth the trip, let alone one great barbecue competition. I hope to be invited again next year. Get the complete list of winners at www.niagara bbq.com but here is a list of top winners.
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