I’m so stoked! I just received confirmation from the 2009 Plant City Pig Jam judges coordinator that I made the cut to be part of this year’s judging crew. Man, I can’t wait!
If you’re planning on being anywhere within driving distance on November 21, 2009 – then you need to get over to this event, which is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Sanctioned Championship State Barbecue Competition!
From the Plant City Pig Jam Facebook Page
Do you make the best BBQ? If you think you do, or if you just like to eat great BBQ, come to the 6th Annual Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship, brought to you by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Individuals will compete in the professional, amateurs and kids’ barbecue competition Saturday, November 21st at the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1900 South Park Rd/1401 Albertsons Drive. The general public has the opportunity to sample some of the best BBQ in the country!
The Pig Jam has been sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS).
Prizes will be awarded in each category with professionals vying for the $3,000 Grand Champion Award, $2,000 for Reserve and cash prizes through 10th place in each of the four food categories (BBQ Ribs, BBQ Port, Beef Brisket and Chicken). Prizes will also be awarded in the amateur and kids’ competitions.
Proceeds of the Pig Jam will benefit Plant City, Florida chamber programs.
The photo above was taken at the 2008 Plant City Pig Jam and shows the Winter Haven, Florida-based “Swamp Boys BBQ” Competitive Team Station. These guys are local heroes here in Central Florida, as they were ranked 1st Overall in the National BBQ Rankings ending 2008!
For more information, to become a vendor at Plant City Pig Jam, or to find out about entering the competition or becoming a judge, log on to the Plant City Chamber web site.
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It’s official! As of 8:00 PM tonight, I became one among 45 or so freshly minted Kansas City Barbeque Society Judges brought up as part of the Plant City area class held at Johnson’s Barbecue Restaurant. KCBS Master Judge, Stephen Smith (pictured below) held a super class, and we all really enjoyed it.
All told, I think I put down about 1.5 lbs of barbecued chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket… all expertly smoked by Mr. Mark Poppell. Those familiar with the Plant City Pig Jam Barbecue Competition – now in its 9th year – know Mark as one of its original founders. He can also be found over at Poppell Insurance in Plant City, FL during the week.
Check out this video from Focus TV’s Plant City Edition!
General Overview of the KCBS Judges Class in Plant City
The class took us through the KCBS Official Judges Certification Manual, and then ran through simulated judging sessions for 3 different chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket entries. Each entry was judged based on th KCBS standards for appearance, texture, and taste. The whole thing was done very well, and Stephen pointed out several “planted” mistakes that were part of various entries so we could get a flavor for what might cause entries to take deductions.
I’m psyched to be a KCBS judge, and if everything goes well, I’ll be part of this year’s Plant City Pig Jam BBQ Competition. It’s a Florida State Championship event and is sanctioned by the KCBS. Mark Poppell’s team will be there, as will Joel from Good Buddies BBQ in Lakeland, and Rob “Rub” Bagby’s Swamp Boys BBQ team from Winter Haven, FL.
If you’re going to be in the Plant City area on November 21, 2009 – head over to the Plant City Pig Jam. It’s sure to be a blast, and hey…. who doesn’t like top notch Florida Barbecue!
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