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Mayhem in May 2013 Summary

PostPosted: 20 May 2013, 09:04
by SaySausages.com
After a dismal 2012 it was always going to be a gamble moving the traditional date forward to the first bank holiday in May, however the weather held out for us and it looks like we had the best of the year so far!
The priority for me has always been providing a cheap platform for people to enter the BBQ arena and over the years I have tried pretty much everything. This year it was a case of going back to basics. I reduced the entry to £50 which covered the electric and waste.  Giving certificates instead of trophies and focusing on the social aspect.
I really appreciated the contribution from the Hogs Back Brewery which helped people bond around the fire pit which was burning the entire weekend! Food was provided to the teams and judges on Friday and Saturday night which was another reason the teams could kick back and enjoy the whole experience. It also helped having such a great team supporting me for the weekend.

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There are great events out there such as Grillstock which combine the whole social scene in a public area and this year they absolutely smashed it, one of the teams is putting together a write up and it will be posted on here in the next few days!
One of the reasons I avoid public locations for our first event is to provide fledgling teams that don’t have the confidence or equipment the chance to learn and compete and this year l launched the grassroots shake and sauce package.  This allowed groups to literally turn up to a pitch, learn about trimming, rubs, injections and cooking then take part in the competition. I was over the moon with the grassroots teams as one finished 4th overall with calls in Ribs and Brisket!
I received some great feedback after the weekend including………...
"Had a brilliant weekend! A million thanks to Toby for all your guidance, help, organisation and welcome. Thanks to all the 'pros' for your advice too! Safe to say you were all right, it is addictive! Team SMILE! :)"
“I would firstly like to give you a massive 'Smokey Moos' thank you for your hospitality and efforts for the Grassroots weekend. All of the Smokey Moos had a brilliant time, your classes were very informative and you gave us plenty of your time to help us out when we got into a pickle!!! The other teams were all very friendly and willing to help out too. All in all, A Top Weekend!!! We all have the BBQ blues now!  The Smokey Moos would love to return in Aug.
Thanks again Toby :-)
The weekend was of course about competition and it is always exciting to see how teams have progressed over the winter. Bunch of Swine’s, arguably one of the best teams in the UK and the dark horses BBQ Fanatics who would love to repeat their 3 first places from paddle around the pier last year, oh to nail that hot and fast brisket! Always around the fringes you have Invicta BBQ, Jedi Swine Tricks, Smoking Penguins, BBQ Mates and new teams like Hammer and Tongs who have been following the BBQ circuit for a number of years. The results proved as exciting as the line-up!

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Congratulations to BBQ Fanatics who took their first GC, and Bunch of Swines for starting their season with a RGC. I would like to shout out to BBQ Mates who after changing their flavour profile found themselves in 3rd overall with calls in ribs and brisket.

Due to the success of the event I decided to add another date to the diary so on the 10th & 11th August we can do it all again as part of “One Smokin Weekend”. Now to get ready for that very quiet, unobtrusive, not in your face, NASCAR fueled Americana Q at Brands Hatch on the 8th & 9th June!