Teams, fans kick off Cape BBQ Fest

Amid a mingling of savory smells, hundreds attended the first day of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees 20th annual Cape BBQ Fest at Arena Park on Friday night.

The contestants ranged from the serious with custom rigs costing upward of $30,000 to groups just wanting to participate and have a good time with old and new friends.

"People come from outside Cape and surrounding states," said Robbie Guard, president of the Cape Girardeau Jaycees and chairman of the event. "It's nice because people come in and get to see the community, and it raises money for the Jaycees' Christmas Toy Box."

This event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. This year boasts 36 teams competing in four categories: chicken, pork ribs (loin or spare), pork (shoulder/butt/picnic), and brisket (beef). There will be cash and trophies for each category. The Grand Champion will walk away with bragging rights, a trophy and $2,000 cash. A team must compete in all four categories to be eligible to win Grand Champion.

The showmanship contest was held on Friday night. During this event the team tries to get the attention of the crowd and the judges. The winning team was made up of members from Rhodes 101, led by singer Stephanie Riordan, Cape Girardeau. The supporting cast was Bill Nekula of Jackson, Brian Knippen of Jackson, Josh Ball of Jackson and Matt Boxdorfher of Cape Girardeau. They sang and danced, threw candy, ball caps and seat cushions to the crowd.

"This was the first year we've done this," said Boxdorfher with a grin. "We set the bar high."

The Jaycees cooked 16 pork butts to sell at their food stand Friday night. Between 4:30 and 7 p.m. they sold the equivalent of 260 sandwiches with the proceeds going to the Christmas Toy Box.

Coming from Kennett, Mo., for the third year was the Redneck Grillers. During the Memphis In May BarBQue contest they came in 13th in ribs out of 135 teams. During the American Royal at Kansas City, Mo., they came in first with a perfect score, beating out 501 other teams.

"We have a 200-mile radius we travel to attend contests," Jeff Rhew of Kennett said. "The guys come down, set up and cook on the first night and the wives come and work the next day. The wives should get a lot more of the glory than they do."

Mike and Mandy Slye moved to Cape Girardeau a month ago from Alabama and attended with children Cooper, 6, and Emma, 4.

"It's very interesting," said Mike. "Neat to see the different grills and set ups."

"The atmosphere is really laid back and cool," Mandy said. "It reminds me a little of college football -- tailgating."

Friday night's events culminated with a live performance by the Mike Renick Band.

On Saturday morning the teams will be cooking for the judges. The entries will begin being turned in at noon and every half hour until 1:30 p.m. The winners will be announced at approximately 3:00 p.m.