Well the status of this year's contest was shaky to say the least. A week or so before the contest word was that it was to be cancelled due to lack of interest and team participation.

My entry had been sent in months before, and even I was worried as I hadn't received the normal cook's packet in the mail and the website (which is normally dreadfully outdated) was in even more disarray.

I heard only 4 or 5 teams were signed up, us included. Funny thing was, I heard this from another team....not the organizers or contest reps. Then I heard 5 or 6 teams, then I heard 10. A quick rally by Double D's BBQ, Rolling Smoke and others managed to drum up enough teams for the show to go on. They ended up with 17 teams total, not enough for a qualifier, but enough to make a spirited contest.

The weather was near perfect and they hadn't received much rain. Which meant those of us with trailers could actually pull into the grass lot. I took advantage of it and found a spot pretty close to the judges tent (a first for us) and near the water and power.

Tex's BBQIt was a pretty quiet night. Dave and I spent a few hours carousing with Frank from Tex's BBQ and a new team to us, DNA Hog Farm. We're not too particular when it comes to drinking buddies, and the PBR's were flowing nicely. Thanks DNA! We walked (Dave stumbled) back to our camper at about 4am when the power to the whole complex unexpectedly went down. Well, the FEC was in need of attention, and I was forced to fire up my little generator. I just haven't gotten around to picking up the marine batteries and inverters everyone seems to be talking about. So a quick run to the gas station to refuel and we were back online. I went to bed at about 6:30am, woke Stacey up and she said power was restored around breakfast time.

Chicken - 11th placeAll the turn-ins went well, and I was very happy with our results. The judges didn't seem to impressed as we bombed nearly every category except pork. We finished 14th overall, out of 17 teams. Our worst showing of the year. The event was highlighted by Stacey's 1st Place Dessert however, and she was thrilled to take the walk. her second call in as many contests for her Pumpkin Cheesecake.

All the teams received confirmation via the pink slips that were handed out that the contest would be held again next year, despite any rumors that we might hear. I sure hope the organizers can get a grip on this one and give it the support and promotion it deserves. As the first Ohio State BBQ contest, I'd love to see it jump to 50-100 teams. This venue can easily support that, all the teams need is a little something to draw them in.

Click here for photos from the weekend.