Every Year dozens of California based Barbecue Team compete in shows up and down the state. The barbecue season for them, is year round. They grill when most stay into doors, they dream of flavor combinations that will beat the top teams in the business and they put passion into every bite of their barbecue. If you have never been to a California Barbecue Association event you are missing out. You don't have to run to the South to get good down home BBQ. Most of these event have 20 to 60 teams competing for a title, some cash and overall points. The teams with the most points at the end of the season are the top teams. Everyone competes in Chicken, Pork, and Beef categories. Then you have a mystery meat category that is always fun to see what comes out it. I got pheasant at my first event and made beer can pheasant. Got the overall love of the crowd but not the point from the judges.
Barbecue Comps are fun for the whole family. You can bring little kids to grandparents. Entry is usually free and eating good BBQ only will cost you a few bucks. Plus there is beer to wash the meat down. Most events have lots of stuff to do besides eating Cali's best barbecue. As you drive into these events the smoke smell is addicting. 40 teams with 10 pounds of tri-tip and ribs on the grills being rubbed down and sauced up will make your mouth water all week long. Not to mention the folks walking around with sauce all over their faces with smiles from ear to ear. Kids running around with rib bones sticking out of their pockets looking for some trouble to get into. These events are on the weekends from Nor Cal to So Cal and every place in between. My town of Penn Valley host the Smokin in the Oak BBQ Cook Off every year and it just gets bigger and bigger.
This season has already had one event in So Cal and starting in March the Seasons kicks into full gear for a all summer long of events all over the place. Check out the California Barbecue Associations website and get the whole schedule of event near you. You might even find out you have some of the TOP Barbecue teams in your area. Say ya the next Barbecue Event.
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