BBQ Cook-Off 2026 Sign Up

On Sunday, July 5, we are hosting our third annual BBQ cook-off for our Summer Celebration event. Each competitor will need to prepare 2 pork butts (smoked, grilled, sauced, dry rub - it's up to you). We'll provide the meat, you bring the heat. Continue reading below for additional rules and regulations as well as a *tentative* itinerary for the day. Last day to sign up is Saturday, June 27. Pick up your two pork butts on Sunday, June 28 from 9:15AM - Noon. Reach out to Blake Rhoades at brhoades@es.church with any questions.

Rules and regulations:

PORTIONING/EQUIPMENT - Each Chef is required to bring two separate portions of their bbq creations - one smaller portion for the tasting area, one larger tray for the buffet line. Large tray size doesn’t matter, the church will provide buffet line trays in which your food will be transferred. Bringing any extra meat is encouraged, but not required. Church will also provide necessary equipment for the taste test (i.e. dixie cups and tiny spoons). Feel free to bring any extra equipment that you may want (serving utensils, extra trays, etc.)

CONTESTANT’S SITE – Each Chef is required to keep all equipment contained within assigned space. Chefs have the option and are highly encouraged to decorate their assigned space and to woo tasters.

CLEANLINESS AND SANITATION – All Chefs are expected to maintain their spaces in an orderly and clean manner and to use good sanitary practices during the preparation and serving processes. The use of sanitary gloves is required at all times while handling food, which the church will provide. Chefs are responsible for cleanup of their site once the competition has ended. All food safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times. A sanitation/water supply will be provided for use during this event.

JUDGING/SCORING - Now, to the fun part. The winner will be decided by popular vote. Each person attending this event will get one ticket to use as a vote for their favorite bbq creation and/or Chef. There will be numbered buckets at each station for votes. It is greatly encouraged to invite friends and family to this event as it just may be the nudge you need to win.

WINNERS/PRIZES - Chefs will have the opportunity to win First (1st), Second (2nd), or Third (3rd) Place. The top three winners will be determined by counting of votes in designated voting buckets. Visa gift cards of varying value will be awarded for the top three Chefs with an additional grand prize for the First (1st) Place Chef.

HAVE FUN AND BE NICE!

Event Itinerary:

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Drop-Off and Set-Up/Decorate (For Chefs)

11:45 AM
Worship Service Ends, Summer Celebration Begins (Chefs report to tasting stations).

Noon
Tasting/Voting Begins

12:45 PM
Final Call for Voting

1:15 PM
Winner Announced

1:30 PM
Begin Cleanup