The heart and soul of the Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival is the barbecue cook-off event. Teams from around the country gather every year to compete for the right to be known as a Blue Ridge Grand Champion. The Festival has also been proclaimed the official North Carolina State Championship since 1994.
The 1999 Festival won the first "National Spirit of Barbecue" Award as the best barbecue event in the country, awarded by the National Barbecue News. This was an incredible honor when one considers the fact that there are dozens of barbecue competitions held annually around the country, many much larger than our own.
In addition to money, these platters are examples of the top prize trophies; one of a kind fine art pieces made especially for our top winners by regional artisans each year.
Want to compete? Here's how
Who can enter the contest?
Anyone who loves to cook ‘em low and slow.
How much is it to enter?
ALL sites are $250.00. The entry fee gets you into all categories. The cook
space is a minimum of 25' storefront X 30' deep. If additional space is needed,
please note on the entry form. For teams that have an additional electrical
need, there are a limited number of 30 amp, 125 volt spaces available for
a charge of $50.00.
Do I have to compete in all the categories?
No, but to be considered for Grand championship you must compete in all four
KCBS sanctioned categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket. All
North Carolina teams are automatically entered in the Governor's Trophy.
You can specify on the application if you’d like to compete in any
of the other optional categories. There is no extra charge for any of the
other categories.
What are the Friday night contests?
Anything But is the first of two
extra competitions held on Friday evening that can be anything except the KCBS
Categories. All entries will be entered and judged in a 9 x 9 box. Dessert,
the second contest and new to Tryon, is wide open to the cook’s interpretation
of a dessert. Dessert presentation can be made in any container the cook chooses.
What is Whole Hog?
This is a special competition for cooking the whole pig, not just parts, and
the mastery lies in all portions being cooked to perfection at the same time.
How many people can I have on my cook team?
There will be five wristbands that will come with your entry.
How many cars can my cook team bring?
We allow a maximum of two parking passes for Hog Heaven as space allows. All
other vehicles can park in the adjoining area as you enter Hog Heaven.
Can I bring my RV?
We can accommodate most RV’s but you must coordinate this with the Competition
Chair as space and hook-ups are limited. Click
here for more information on places to stay in the area. There will be a $50 charge for a 30 amp, 125 volt breaker.
What is the Cooker’s Store?
The Cooker Store is a venue we provide and man to sell your sauces and rubs
on consignment. This is a favorite shop for our Festival goers.
Thanks and good luck!
Application Information
Download a 2009 cookers application
Send your application to:Blue Ridge BBQ & Music Festival
Attn: Competition
2753 Lynn Road, Suite A
Tryon, NC 28782
If you need more info, please contact the Competition Chair
KCBS Rules
The
Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival is sanctione by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Download a copy of
the official KCBS rules and regulations.Past Winners
Review
Grand Champions and more from previous Festivals. 
