MN BBQ Competitor’s Shine at the World Food Championships

Lu Holter – Cowboy Charcoal Fire & Ice Women’s BBQ Series Finalist

The World Food Championships was held November 7-11 in Orange Beach, AL.

MN BBQ Society members, Larry Dahlen, Dick Dahlen, Damon Holter, and Lu Holter, made the trek south to compete and judge.

Larry Dahlen competed in the steak competition, which was a sanction SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) event this year and drew over 50 of the top steak cookers from across the country. Larry also assisted in judging some categories while at the event.

Dick Dahlen is a seasoned judge and also judged several categories at the event. He also kept track of Larry for us and made sure he got home safely.

Larry Dahlen – Giant Potato

Damon Holter competed in the Burger category, ultimately taking 7th place out a tough field! In his opening and final rounds he was required to use a specific type of frozen burger and make a Juicy Lucy. Damon’s 7th place finish automatically qualifies him for the Burger category in 2019 and, says Holter, “I look forward to this event every year. It is the culmination of my competition season and, most definitely, the highlight. I especially enjoy connecting with my food sport family and look forward to the event in 2019.”

Lu Holter competed in the Cowboy Charcoal Fire and Ice Women’s BBQ Championship. The ladies competed in the opening round of BBQ – with Lu getting a 3rd place call in brisket. The following day they competed in a grilling challenge utilizing any protein they desired. Being in the gulf shores inspired Lu to use fresh gulf

Damon Holter – 7th Place Burger Category

oysters to make oysters scampi on the half shell and Compart Family Farms bacon wrapped jumbo shrimp on a bed of dirty rice. Lu ended up 8th in the competition. She loved meeting other female pitmasters and, like Damon, seeing her food sport family. She is looking forward to the event in 2019 and toying with the idea of attempting to qualify in the burger category and throw down directly against her husband. Damon and Lu also competed in the pork loin challenge, sponsored by Compart Family Farms and Bolner’s Fiesta Seasonings. Both took top 10 calls, with Damon coming in 8th and Lu at 10th.

Congratulations to all who qualified and competed at the World Food Championships and thank you to those who gave their time and judged the event!

Minnesota in May is Moving!

Uffda! MN in May is heading to the Isanti County Fairgrounds in Cambridge, MN next year! MN in May, the largest BBQ competition in the state, has been held at the state fairgrounds in the Twin Cities for the past few years. It attracts both pro and backyard teams from all over the country and is hosted by the MN BBQ Society. Last year the event boasted a $10,000 prize purse, 70 pro teams, and 25 backyard teams.

The event continues to grow and public interest is peaking.

In order to embrace the growth of this event and, more importantly, fulfill the mission of the BBQ Society and foster interest in outdoor cooking for both members and non-members the board decided to make this move. The Isanti County Fairgrounds is a large complex which allows plenty of space for teams of all sizes and more opportunity for activities that will be enjoyed by both competitors and spectators.

Thank you to our past competitors. We look forward to seeing you in 2019 as we work to make this event even better for you!!