Best Dam Barbecue Questions & Answers
What is BBQ?
BBQ is marinated or seasoned meat cooked over an open fire. It’s also a party at which a meal is cooked and eaten.
What is a BBQ Challenge?
A challenge is a collection of cookers who enjoy cooking BBQ, partying with other cookers, sampling good food, and winning recognition for their recipes and skills.
What is a KCBS Sanctioned Challenge?
A KCBS Sanctioned challenge is a cooking competition of national “fame”, sanctioned by Kansas City Barbeque Association (KCBS). Nationwide there are hundreds of contests and thousands of cookers. Many cookers travel the circuit as a hobby, and the best win the chance to compete at the national level by winning at events like ours. Cookers pay their own expenses and an entry fee. Some will sell taste samples and meals. Others just cook to compete.
The Best Dam Barbecue is an official Nevada state championship challenge, sanctioned by KCBS. We average 30 cookers from California, Arizona, Utah, New York and who knows where. Experienced cookers from California will be our KCBS Contest rep.
Why would cookers come here?
- Cash and prizes for winners. ($7,500 in cash and prizes)--$2500 for Grand Champion, $1000 for Reserve Grand Champion, Cash prizes in each category of $300, $200, $150, $125, $100 from First to Fifth places.
- Winner qualifies for invitation to Jack Daniels and American Royal.
- Previous events were well run and fun for cookers!
- There are only a few qualifier contests in the Western states.
- Gaining a reputation for their business.
- AND, the Las Vegas area is a great place to add a couple vacation days!
What is the “challenge”?
It is a BBQ cooking contest. All cookers must compete in four categories:
- Pork ribs
- Chicken
- Pork shoulder
- Beef brisket (a cut of beef)
How is the food judged?
Product is judged on:
Who does the judging?
- Most judges are “KCBS certified” – by attending special KCBS training
- Some certified judges travel from other states to participate.
- YOU could be a certified judge if
- You enjoy really good BBQ
- You are willing to serve for the entire judging schedule
- You attend KCBS training
- You submit the judge’s application form
- Priority is given to certified judges.
Why is Rotary sponsoring it?
We are developing the BBQ challenge as our “major” fund raising activity—one that will be a fun community event, with food and entertainment, and will show Rotarians working together to support the community. The BBQ Challenge can generate substantial funds to enable Rotary to generously support Boulder City needs.
What will attract the community?
- Great BBQ
- Outdoor Expo
- Entertainment for families
- Tasty food and beverages including beer and margaritas.
How do I get involved?
- Become a sponsor. (See the sponsor page.)
- Volunteer to help with the event.
- Site set up, cleanup
- Staffing during event
- Judging
- COME TO THE EVENT!
