They are barbecue zombies, staying awake all night to make sure their ribs and brisket get the attention they need.
“These guys decided they didn’t like sleep,” joked Joe Craig, leader of the professional Acme BBQ team from Madison. His outfit features seven members, and many made the short trip to New Albany for Saturday’s Blues, Cruise & BBQ event at Northside Christian Church.
Teams from the Kansas City Barbeque Society competed in the Indiana State Championship Cookoff in the church’s parking lot, with more than $3,100 in prize money up for grabs.
It was the spotlight of the two-day festival that featured live music, hot rods and plenty of food.
Craig and his bunch rested under the shade of a pullout tarp as they waited for the competition results. It was Acme BBQ’s second event of the summer, as they took fourth place for best brisket in Jeffersonville last weekend at Smokin’ on the River.
Craig said they have been competing professionally for two years.
“There are a lot of great people on the circuit,” he said. “It’s about friendship and fellowship.”
Results weren’t in as of press time, but Craig was confident that Acme BBQ — which sports the motto “Our smoke’s no joke” — would place in all four categories. Pork, chicken, ribs and brisket were all judged at the event.
“I think we feel a lot more organized this time,” said Craig, who judged barbecue competitions before starting his professional team.
He said that experience helped him learn what judges prefer.
The two distinctive types of cooking are grilling and barbecuing, Craig explained. Grilling utilizes direct heat, while the slow method of barbecuing allows for smoke to penetrate the meat, giving it a distinct taste.
The competitors began cooking around 6 p.m. Friday and didn’t quit until Saturday afternoon.
As music from local Blues bands blared over speakers in the middle of the parking lot, Jordan LaLama, young adults intern for Northside Christian, served up $5 plates of barbecue to hot but entertained spectators.
“We’ve been very busy, especially last night despite the heat,” he said. “The people love it.”
It was the first year the barbecue championship was hosted at the church, and LaLama said he hopes they can bring it back again next year.
It wasn’t all about fun and games, as the church collected canned food items for area food pantries. LaLama said the event also provided outreach opportunities for Northside Christian.
Church member Kevin Manring, operator of Juicy Butts BBQ, came up with the idea for hosting the competition at Northside Christian.
ABOUT THE KCBS
• The Kansas City Barbeque Society features more than 10,000 members worldwide, as the organization sanctions about 300 contests a year. For more information, go to the Web site www.kcbs.us.
Floyd County
Related Photos
Discussion
Northside Christian in New Albany plays host as barbecue teams vie for state title
This is how the professionals do it
- Floyd County
-
-
New Albany City Council will be asked to clarify audit issue over sewer rates
Several members from the audience also questioned other financial matters of the city, and whether the council was aware that Gibson received health insurance as city attorney under England though it had been stated by the previous administration his contract did not include medical benefits.
- News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 10, 2012
-
First Savings buys bank branches
The move will increase First Savings’ market share in Harrison County to about 31 percent and up the bank’s presence in Floyd County.
-
Free falling: CCE demolishes former New Albany business at no charge
-
Floyd judge named semifinalist for Indiana Supreme Court
Granger, 42, said she decided to apply after discussions with her family and close friends.
“I care enormously about my judicial service, and I want to expand my work statewide,” she said. -
Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
As the deadline approaches, more schools are failing to meet requirements under the law, with nearly half not doing so last year, according to the Center on Education Policy.
- News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 9, 2012
-
Neace Lukens acquires Jenkins Insurance of Sellersburg
Jenkins Insurance principal Mike Jenkins will join the Neace Lukens’ New Albany office, where he’ll focus on his current employee benefit clients and expanding service and product platforms for the company.
-
Some lawmakers want you to cruise in for Sunday commerce
The current ban on motorcycle sales is a remnant of Indiana’s old “blue laws” that prohibited various activities on Sundays. The legislature has been slowly chipping away at them.
-
Court of appeals hears Messer appeal
Counseled by attorney Bart Betteau, the basis of Messer’s appeal was that his words were constitutionally-protected free speech. But Special Judge Roger Duvall upheld the merit commission’s decision in 2011.
- More Floyd County Headlines
-
New Albany City Council will be asked to clarify audit issue over sewer rates
