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NewsAugust 19, 2016

Participating in barbecue competitions across the country with his team Hot Mess BBQ, Brian Thompson has figured out he has to tailor the taste to the region he’s serving. The Carolinas are known for vinegar-heavy sauces, and in Texas, pitmasters have to bring the heat and smoke on their brisket...

Brent Presser of the Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club team prepares ribs for judging Aug. 23, 2014, at the 2014 Cape BBQ Fest in Arena Park.
Brent Presser of the Cape Girardeau Noon Lions Club team prepares ribs for judging Aug. 23, 2014, at the 2014 Cape BBQ Fest in Arena Park.Fred Lynch

Participating in barbecue competitions across the country with his team Hot Mess BBQ, Brian Thompson has figured out he has to tailor the taste to the region he’s serving.

The Carolinas are known for vinegar-heavy sauces, and in Texas, pitmasters have to bring the heat and smoke on their brisket.

Cape Girardeau, however, tends to be Goldilocks in its barbecue taste — not too sweet, not too spicy and not too smoky.

“They like a nice, full, savory flavor,” Thompson said.

Thompson should know — Hot Mess BBQ of Columbia, Illinois, won the Jaycees BBQ Fest grand championship last year, and the team is coming back to Cape Girardeau this weekend for a chance to repeat.

“I’m looking forward to coming down there and defending the title,” Thompson said.

Hot Mess BBQ will compete along with 55 teams from as far away as Alabama, Mississippi and Florida for $10,000 worth of total prizes Saturday at Arena Park. The grand champion receives $2,500.

Teams will compete in chicken, pulled pork, ribs and brisket categories, with a first-place award in each category worth $500.

Teams check in at BBQ Fest at 9 a.m. today, and dinner at the Jaycee stand begins at 4:30 p.m.

Live music will start at 8 p.m.

The activities tonight serve as the primary fundraiser for the Jaycees Toy Box program that provides toys to underprivileged children on Christmas, organizer Robbie Guard said.

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The Jaycees are looking to raise $10,000, Guard said.

“We’ve prepared to sell 1,500 half-pound barbecue sandwiches,” Guard said.

This year is the 24th annual BBQ Fest — the 10th year as a part of the Kansas City Barbecue Society, Guard said.

Celebrity barbecue master Big Mo Cason from Iowa will be competing this year, Guard said.

Four of the barbecue teams from the competition Saturday also will compete as part of the Buerhle Foundation golf tournament to benefit cancer research.

The tournament starts at 8:30 a.m. at Dalhousie Golf Club.

While golfers are finishing their rounds, Hot Mess, Buehrle’s Backyard BBQ, Two Sides BBQ and one more team that has yet to be announced will serve the golfers and three judges, who will judge the barbecue in the open.

Organizer Chris Buehrle hopes the tournament will raise at least $10,000. In 25 years, the golf tournament has raised about $1.8 million for cancer research, Buehrle said.

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address:

Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, MO

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