[desertdog]

Who is planning on attending this very popular contest in March?  We have it on our schedule and I have sent Art an email requesting the application. 

If you are planning on competing, e-mail Art Perez at APEREZ@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us for a competition packet.  It is a six hour drive from Phoenix on the northwest side of Albuquerque.  Last year Arizona teams represented well, taking several top 10 awards.















This is a fun an challenging event.  You can bet there will be some big names there again this year, so come on out and enjoy some nice cool high country wind in Sweet Peppers back yard!   

[Mrs. McFrankenboo]

Seamus was so little!!  This is a great even and we already got our packet and it looks to be another great one.  This will be our third year at this one and we wouldn't miss is.  Well, we almost did last year because of the snow we hit on the way in but whatever, that's what makes BBQ fun!!!  Art runs a great event and goes out of his way to make everyone happy.  Looks like they are capping this event at 70+ teams so they have grown exponentially each year and for good reason.  I am really looking forward to this one!  Crap, when the hell does the damn season start, I am having major withdrawals!!!

[Jaybird]

I will be there. This one is always an adventure!

[Scottie]

Man, it must of been cold.  I had long sleeves on!!!   

wish I could make it out again...

Have fun and good luck to everyone!

Scottie

[desertdog]

Over $10,000 in prize money including some pretty sweet trophys, and only $225 to enter. 

There will also be taste tickets for sale both Friday and Saturday with an 80/20 split in your favor.  From the crowds I saw there last year, even with really bad BBQ you should at least be able to cover your entry fee and then some.

Besides the 4 meats, they also have Anything Butt, Beans, Side Dish and Dessert categories......can you tell I got my packet today? 

[Mrs. McFrankenboo]

Dork!   

Don't forget that it's right next to a casino, which is good, because there isn't any else to stop the wind from blowing through!!  We have vended the last 2 years and do very well with it to the point it covers the entire cost of the event.  Definitely looking forward to this one again!! 

[desertdog]

I heard that they were moving the event down to the lower parking lot this year to help with the wind situation...

[mamapiggy]

I miss this one, I was there as a observer the very first year when it was held in the parking lot across from smiths. How it has grown. Now Im on the East coast and we don't start comp till the end of april..........Good times!!!!!!!!

[desertdog]

Man, it must of been cold.  I had long sleeves on!!!   

wish I could make it out again...

Have fun and good luck to everyone!

Scottie

We drove through snow to get there last year....yeah, it was a little chilly!   

[Jaybird]

Are at it again:

Food preparation, handwashing, and dishwashing will not be allowed in an RV. Sinks inside RV's are not approved handwashing stations.

They have told me in past years:

Can't bring meat from Arizona to the contest.
Can't bring water from Arizona to the contest.
Can't transport my meat from Sam's Club in Rio Rancho to the contest in an ice chest. Has to be in the refer in my RV.
Meat packed in an ice chest is right at 31/32 degrees. My refer is about 38 degrees.
Teams, be prepared for propane tank inspection and to go to the store for 'fixing' them because they WILL find something wrong (I know this isn't Health Nazi territory but still).
 
I've been to this comp 4 times and they would rather have you prep your food outdoors in 40 MPH silt/dust filled winds than inside a controlled dust free environment such as your RV. These people are insane and lack common sense in every way imagineable. I have talked to these idiots on the phone a couple times and they will piss you off to no end. They can smooch my friggin ass!!  

I will be boycotting this contest for the rest of my comp days. I've had enough. Just ain't worth the frustration.

[BBQCZAR]

I wanted to go at one time,but between the cold,snow,propane Nazi's,Health dept. Nazi's,and some other reasons people have expressed to me I have decided not to do this one either.Too bad organizers couldn't move it to a warmer time of year and get the Nazi's to lighten up just for one weekend.

[Crash]

They can smooch my friggin ass!!  

Funniest thing I've seen around here in a whaile.  That was awesome Jay.

On a serious note, their rules sound absolutely ridiculous.  I dont blame you for your boycott.

[desertdog]

How many teams actually decided not to do this one because of the negative press?  Would be interesting to know.

We wanted to do this one badly, but just did not work for us logistically, and now it is too late to jump in.

This contest gives a team a great shot at the Jack, this being the only qualifier in the state of New Mexico, unless another pops up, like Silver City.  Win GC, and you could have an automatic!

[Quiggs]

Good question Dean.... I am hoping to make it there as a judge this year since my daughter lives in Albuquerque now. 

Team wise, health dept issues would have played a big part in deciding to go, pain in ass...the ice chest part floors me??  I just don't get it.  As Jay says it is much colder under the ice than in my RV refer?!?

I just sat though a local county health department class tonight to get food handler card for future PC issues.  It was only 20 bucks and two hours so no biggie.  Their movies showed transporting fish packed under ice instead of refer truck!  Hmmmmmmmmmm?


As for three bay sink thing....I get it.. heath dept's no bending on that one.

Dave Q

[toys4dlr]

Pucker Up,  Smooch.  Almost had my glass of wine come out my nose.   

PS - Don't forget about the current tags on the Fire Putter outer.  Even though mine had a month left, I was given a little lip.

On the positive side,  Art does his best to take care of the teams. Breakfast and dinners, gift bags, etc.