Jackson American Legion holds inaugural barbecue cook-off

They're just a bunch of backyard barbecuers, but everybody eats what they cook, so the newly formed Nordenia Grillfest Team figures they must not be doing too bad.

"Whether we win or not, we don't go home with any leftovers," said team member Ron Medlin.

Nordenia is an industrial plant located north of Cape Girardeau. According to Medlin and his team mates, forming a barbecue team helps bring co-workers together outside the office, which can benefit morale inside the office.

The Nordenia Grillfest Team was one of seven teams competing in the Jackson American Legion Post No. 158's inaugural Fall Bar-B-Q Cook-Off and Craft Show Friday and Saturday. The event was co-sponsored by the Smokin' Butt BBQ Team.

During a special competition Friday evening called "Anything But Pork!" teams could submit fish, turkey, duck, vegetables or any other barbecued food without a pork content. Saturday's main event was comprised four categories: chicken, beef strip steak, pork ribs and pork shoulder/Boston butt.

In conjunction with the barbecue cook-off, the legion also held a crafts, gifts and collectibles show inside the hall. According to craft show coordinator Dixie Burnett, 12 booths were set up at the show with products including personalized books, freeze-dried flower keepsakes, Tupperware, quilts called "quillows" that can be folded into a pillow, doilies, herbal bath bags, embellished sweatshirts and many more items.

All proceeds from both events will go to the Jackson American Legion baseball teams.

jgosche@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133