Page 12 - Barbecue News Magazine August 2020
P. 12

 What’s Happening in MN BBQ Society
This has been a crazy year for BBQ events. The year started off like many previous years, with teams and judges getting their cal- endars going in January or February. Signing up for events, only to see their entry checks returned in the mail. Everyone has been making plans, rewriting plans, and then rewriting plans again. With all the local, state, and government rules constantly chang- ing, so has the bbq scene. On the surface it may appear that not much is happening on the bbq front. But I think Society members have just gotten more creative about how to be involved in BBQ in 2020.
On the competition front:
Minnesota held its first competition in June at The Hayfield. It was an opportunity for teams to dust off the rust and meet up with each other again. In late June, a number of teams traveled to Iowa for the Back to Mayberry competition. It was great to meet some of the teams in-person that we met during the #bbqborder- battle! Also, it was great to catch up with our BBQ friends from all over. Some of the MN teams also traveled to other states, farther away, to catch a BBQ competition or two.
These competitions have given teams a chance to adopt and ad- just to the new Covid guidelines. It is a bit harder to identify the masked bandits at the turn-in table, but, all in all, it seems that contests are adjusting to the new rules. Judges are also adjusting to the new procedures and we thank them for continuing to par- ticipate!
Coming up in August, we kick off the Backyard contest season with the B-Dale competition! The contest is at capacity and al- ways a great event every year. Everyone is looking forward to it. Good luck to the backyard teams as they begin their TOY chase for the year. There are a number of backyard contests still on the calendar for this year. Check them out on our website.
At the end of August is our society’s big event of the year - MN in May! Wait - you said May? Everything has been running behind this year, so this year’s contest has been re-named MN in MayAu- gust. New swag is available. Organizers are working hard to keep
KCBS Contests:
Minnesota in Mayaugust 08/28/2020 - 08/29/2020 *OFFICIAL: MN TOY 2020 QUALIFIER*
Location: Isanti County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, MN Centrally located in the Cambridge area, this large contest fea- tures a KCBS and backyard competition. There is plenty of room for those with a killer RV or rocking a tent!
$11,500 in prizes for the KCBS competition!
By Kristen Spain
up with all the shifting guidelines and mandates. Adjustments are being made, but so far we are still on track for the rescheduled event. We look forward to seeing everyone there! For more infor- mation and registration visit our website.
Lending a Helping Hand:
Many MN teams have been helping with numerous charity events. We have teams that have held cooks to feed first responders. We have teams that have cooked and donated food to food banks to feed the needy. We have teams that have purchased meat and supplies to donate to community cooks. There is plenty of need throughout all of our communities. If you are looking to help with an event or want others to help you with an event, just contact the society via our website. We know cooks that would love to cook! We will get you connected.
Away from competitions:
Members are getting creative with ways to connect on BBQ. The Croix Valley team has started a weekly Facebook Live event. Each episode features great recipes, along with bbq tips and tricks. They have also started a virtual happy hour live each Friday night on Instagram. Check them out.’
If you are looking for more tips and secrets, many of the top na- tional cooks have started live events on Facebook. They are broadcasting trimming tips, cooks, recipes, and other great things. Check them out!
Lots of great podcasts are out there now too. Another great re- source for more bbq insights, interviews, and secrets to up your game. Look for them on your favorite streaming platform.
A number of virtual online bbq classes have taken place, as well. Some of our members have been mentoring each other via virtual cooks. If you are looking to connect with another team within MN, contact us via our website.
Lastly, our society has started an Instagram page! (Finally!) Fol- low and connect with us @mnbbqsociety!
$2,500 in prizes for the Backyard competition! 20 amp electrical and water included!
Indoor awards ceremony!
Modern bathrooms and showers!
Plus, some really awesome teams! Join us!
Not staying on the Fairgrounds? We have two hotels with rooms blocked for the event!
AmericInn by Wyndham North Branch, MN
38675 14th Ave, North Branch, MN 55056
Phone: 651.674.8627 | Fax: 651.674.8632
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