A.L. gets set for a big barbecue

Published 12:25 pm Saturday, August 21, 2010

More than 60 cooks will compete for more than $13,000 and other prizes at the third annual Big Island Bar-B-Q next weekend, most notably the right to attend the Royal American barbecue contest and rodeo in Kansas City, Mo.

Moe Cason, winner of the first episode of the second season “BBQ Pitmasters” on the cable channel TLC, will be in attendance. Cason is the proprietor of Ponderosa BBQ in Des Moines, Iowa.

On Friday evening, people in attendance can sample chicken wings and chili and vote for their favorite. The voting for chili starts at 5 p.m., with a $3 fee, and the voting for chicken starts at 7 p.m., with a $10 fee.

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The competition continues Saturday, with cooks from nine states.

“The best barbecue cooks in the Midwest will be here cooking chicken, brisket, pork, and ribs,” said event organizer Perry Vining. “Smokers and kitchens costing $250,000 will be next to homemade smokers worth a few dollars. It is all an equal playing field when the blind judging begins on Saturday.”

Performing both days of the Big Island Barbeque are Kat Blu and Flashback. John Goodsall will be showcased on Saturday just prior to the awards ceremony at 5 p.m.

Admission is free.

Kids games will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with over a dozen stations of activities, arts and crafts. The music is coordinated by Marlene Stein-Griener.