When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash returns Saturday to Show Me Center

Ask Ryan Eftink where the inspiration derived to name his large-scale barbecue event, third annual When Pigs Fly Indoor BBQ Bash — returning Saturday, Jan. 14, to Cape Girardeau's Show Me Center — he has an answer at the ready.

"People know barbecuing is an outdoor activity, but we're doing this indoors. Some may hear about it and think, 'You're doing this indoors? When pigs fly!'" said Eftink, a more than 20-year industry veteran who has been associated with family-operated Smokin Brothers of Cape Girardeau since 2012.

The competitive event, open to the public, kicks off at 10:30 a.m. and will continue until early evening.

The first When Pigs Fly showcase was held in January 2020, but 2021's event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"(Ours) is one of the most unique barbecue contests out there," said Eftink, a 1995 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School.

"There are three events in one going on Saturday. One is the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) Cook, which brings together top-of-the-world steak cookers who will be coming in and throwing down on some ribeyes. We've also got barbecue professionals coming in to show us their wares, and the public will get to the taste their offerings and will be invited to cast votes. The third event is called Heroes Cup — made up of first responders being coached by pros," he said.

Cost to attend is $25 for adults and $10 for those between the ages of 4 and 12.

Eftink said organizers listened to previous attendees and made a notable change for 2023.

"(Attendees) wanted to talk to the barbecue teams and speak directly to the barbecuers themselves. We haven't done that before. When people come through the door this year, they'll be given a specific voting ticket. They'll taste the offerings of all 10 barbecue teams and return that ticket to tell us which barbecuer is the best," he said.

Eftink said a local band, Jason Heeter & the ACs, will offer music throughout the event, in addition to various demonstrations and recipe sharing inside Show Me Center's spacious venue.

"People may not realize the level of (barbecuer) talent who will be here. There are over 50 million social media followers among the competitors. These guys are at the top of their game," Eftink opined.

Eftink said he and his team are making a concerted effort for fairness among the competitors.

"We wanted to level the playing field. Everyone competing will have the same cooker and the same meat. What will set one contestant apart from the other is the skill set and their particular rubs and sauces profiles," he said.

Tickets may be purchased online via Show Me Center box office at showmecenter.biz or in person at Smokin Brothers, 1923 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

For more information, visit www.whenpigsflybbqbash.com.