Labor Day Will be Smokin’… at BBQ Competition in Deale

Do you have what it takes to become a BBQ champion? A great sauce that simmers to perfection? A hand at the grill or smoker to cook the meat until it is perfectly tender? If so, the Deale Elks Lodge wants you to come out for their second annual Smokin’ on the Bay BBQ competition at Herrington Harbour Sept. 1 and 2 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day).

They are offering $15,000 in prize money.

The 2011 BBQ competition brought out dozens of competitors.

If you are not a competitor, you should definitely come to the competition to taste your way around and among the competitors. After all, someone has to eat all this food. These well-seasoned BBQers are serious about their competitions. The competitors travel the country, usually hauling some sort of BBQ apparatus or smoker.

In all, the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), the group that sanctions the Herrington Harbour event, holds about five dozen events around the country. Each sanctioned competition has judges that know their BBQ.

However, this won’t be a staid affair. Organizers promise this to be fun for the whole family with live bands, craft tents, family-friendly activities, vendors and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to picnic and enjoy the festivities.

2011 competitors included Pam’s Catering from South County

The entry is $3 per person per day, or $5 for a two-day ticket. Kids 10 and under are free. Buying BBQ from the contestants costs, and prices vary depending on what they are cooking.

Judging is sanctioned by KCBS and is a Maryland State Championship event. If you’d like to compete, here is link to the BBQ Competitor Application.

Sponsors include Safeway, Herrington Harbour, Town Square Auto and MEOOHMY Publishing.

Proceeds will help to benefit Deale Elks and local, regional and national charities they support including the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home and The Elks Camp Barrett in Crownsville.

Herrington Harbour on the Bay is located at 389 Deale Road in Tracy’s Landing.

For more information, email or call 410-867-2528. If you would like to participate as a judge, sponsor, vendor or craft vendor, here are links to various applications:

• Judges Application
• Vendor Participation Agreement
• Vendor Application
• Sponsorship Application
• Craft Fair Vendor Application