Competitors from across the Midwest came to Arnolds Park to see who could make the best barbequed chicken, ribs, and pork. The first annual BBQ event was hosted by Okoboji Tourism.
Twelve teams competed in the Smoke on the Water, Saturday, June 23 at Preservation Plaza in Arnolds Park. Judging started at noon, with public tasting at 2 p.m. and a free concert featuring Brasher Bogue with special guest Shawn Mayer at 6:30 p.m.
The contest was similar to a Kansas Barbeque Society event. Each cooker entered four categories: chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket. There was also a People’s Choice portion of the contest. Each cooker was provided with a pork loin to prepare how they wish. The evening concluded with an incredible concert featuring Brasher Bogue with special guest Shawn Meyer. Thank you to Okoboji Tourism Committee, Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Milford Electric, Okoboji Motor Company, and the many volunteers for their time and donations.
These are the results:
OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION
Smokin’ The Bone – Rockford, Iowa
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION
Papa Bob’s BBQ – Pleasant Hill, Iowa
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Mustang Sally Tailgating – Marshall, Minnesota
CHICKEN
1st place: Papa Bob’s BBQ – Pleasant Hill, Iowa
2nd place: Hog Breath BBQ – Whittemore, Iowa
3rd place: Oversize Load BBQ – Albert City, Iowa
4th place: Smokin’ The Bone – Rockford, Iowa
RIBS
1st place: Oversize Load BBQ – Albert City, Iowa
2nd place: Mustang Sally Tailgating – Marshall, Minnesota
3rd: place: Triple T BBQ – Mantorville, Minnesota
4th place: Smokin’ the Bone – Rockford, Iowa
PORK
1st place: Hog Breath BBQ – Whittemore, Iowa
2nd place: Smokin the Bone – Rockford, Iowa
3rd place: Papa Bob’s BBQ – Pleasant Hill, Iowa
4th place: Mustang Sally Tailgating – Marshall, Minnesota
BEEF BRISKET
1st place: Smokin the Bone – Rockford, Iowa
2nd place: Blue Smoke BBQ – Carroll, Iowa
3rd place: Triple T BBQ – Mantorville, Minnesota
4th place: Bird Dog BBQ – LeMars, Iowa
[nggallery id=13]