A DOUBLE HEADER AT THE INDIO CALIFORNIA STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP AT BIG ROCK PUB

All photos courtesy of CBBQA

Indio California State BBQ Championship and Festival Day two Grand Champion with 700.52 points and 1st place ribs; B’ Mackin BBQ

BBQ teams from Texas, Idaho, Arizona, Iowa, Missouri, and all parts of California came to compete in the Indio California State BBQ Championship at Big Rock Pub on November 3 & 4. California teams competing for CBBQA’s TOY race were excited to have two contests in one as this was their last chance to get some extra points. While

Indio California State BBQ
Championship and Festival Day two 1st place chicken with 180 points;
Burnin and Lootin

teams from other states were chasing KCBS TOY points in one of the last two contests of the year.

“Teams asked for a double”, said contest coordinator Robert Stouffer. “ It’s more expensive, but you have a better chance of getting those extra points to put you over the top.” The only thing teams were wishing they had brought were their putters as the contest took place on the 7th hole of the award-winning Indian Springs Golf Course. To add to the festival-like atmosphere an antique car auction was taking place at the same time. As 33 teams were getting their boxes ready for turn in, Rolls Royces, Bentleys, and Maseratis lumbered past on their way to the auctioneer’s block.

Indio California State BBQ
Championship and Festival Day two 1st place brisket
Ridge Route Boys BBQ

An estimated 3,000 people attended the 3-day event which included concerts and car shows. Teams were treated to all of this and a $9,600 purse for each of the days. Saturday’s Grand Champion was Gettin’ Basted with a score of 706.8228 followed closely by Boomerang BBQ with a score of 702.2284. Both Getting’ Basted and Big Poppa Smokers received 180’s in chicken.

Then true to form, things do turn around on the second day. California’s team B’ Mackin BBQ took the Grand

Indio California State BBQ
Championship and Festival Day two 1st place pork with 180 points;
Shig Ninja BBQ

Championship with a score of 700.5256 and Gettin’ Basted took Reserve. This time Burnin and Lootin and Bad Boyz BBQ had 180’s in chicken. Arizona team Shig Ninja BBQ scored a 180 in pork.

Not bad guys, but how’s your golf game? Mark your calendars for next year as there

Indio California State BBQ
Championship and Festival Day one and day two 1st place dessert with back to back perfect-perfect 180’s; Blue Eyed BBQ.

is already word that this might just happen all again in 2019. Fore!!!