Cape BBQ Fest starts Friday

EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to a source error, information about Port Cape serving alcoholic drinks has been removed. Port Cape isn't participating.

This weekend, area barbecue teams will compete for bragging rights and a grand prize of $2,000 during the 21st annual Cape BBQ Fest.

The event, hosted by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, takes place Friday and Saturday at Arena Park. The competition already has drawn the largest number of entrants in its history.

"We have 57 teams entered so far," event chairman Robbie Guard said. "That's a new record, but we'll probably hit the high-water mark after some stragglers make their appearance."

Guard said Arena Park will be filled with teams vying to cook the best chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket.

"There's going to be between 40 and 60 KCBS judges evaluating the teams," he said. "Some teams will just have one small-type smoker, and others will have big barbecue pits. But they're all going to do a fantastic job."

About 2,000 are expected to attend, Guard said.

"We had at least 2,000 people last year, so we're expecting that many this year," he said. "Every year there are some who come out and wind up entering a team for the next year's competition. It's neat that they see it and want to get involved."

First-place teams in each category will receive $300, second place $200, third $125, fourth $75 and fifth $50. Sixth through 10th places receive $25.

The grand champion receives a trophy and $2,000; the reserve grand champion receives $1,000. Teams must compete in all four categories to be eligible for the grand or reserve championship.

Teams will begin checking in at 9 a.m. Friday, and the Jaycees will sell food from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. outside the Arena Building. Barbecue teams will perform skits in costume from 7 to 8 p.m. during a showmanship competition, and the Mike Renick Band will perform from 8 to 11 p.m.

The BBQ Fest resumes at 5 a.m. Saturday, when teams fire up their smokers to begin the barbecue competition. Barbecue is not allowed to be bought from the teams in the competition. The festival will conclude with the awards ceremony at 3 p.m.

The grand champion qualifies for the barbecue state championships in Kansas City in October.

For more information, visit capejaycees.org or call Robbie Guard at 450-3396.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO