Smokin' Good Time in Mesquite

I'm not saying it was hot Labor Day weekend in Mesquite...ok, yes I am saying it was hot!  It was exhaustingly hot.  The promoters should seriously consider pushing the event to a date later in the year.  Cooking on asphalt in 115 degrees is simply unbearable.  Don't get me wrong...we had a great time, it was just miserably hot!

"Shamus", McFrankenboo BBQ's mascot certainly had the right idea.  They had misters going in their booth...probably the smartest idea of the whole weekend. 

There were big name teams everywhere you looked.  Slap Yo' Daddy BBQ (Harry Soo) was there.  He was on BBQ Pitmasters last season.  I want to send Timm to one of his classes soon.

The Godfather of Ribs, Johnny Triggs was there too.  His wife, Trish is a sweetheart.  I must of spoke with her a half hour.  They are Smokin' Triggers, and have been out a month competing before heading home.  Johnny took 1st in brisket.  He episode of BBQ Pitmasters aired last week just before this event.  Big Poppa Smokers from that episode was also there.

We came out to show our support for many of the teams but really came out to help R&R BBQ from SLC.  They are twin brothers and I can't tell them apart.  What nice guys they are.  We helped out where we could but tried not to interfere.  The tear down process was quick with many hands making light work.  I was concerned for them, they just aren't used to the heat and weren't looking too good by that point, they were beat.  They placed 5th overall...not too shabby...and mighty tasty to boot.  Thanks for all the take home treats.

Erin and Todd also did well placing 1st in chicken.  Way to go!  Spent time talking with them as well.  They recently took GC at the Rosarito contest in Tijuana.  They got the news that they made the draw for the Jack Daniels Invitational while they were in Mesquite.

Jennifer Duncan (Smoked to the Bone) and her pink pig smoker.   Another great gal.  She spent lots of time with us in Williams showing us how to prepare boxes for turn in.  They did awesome this weekend.  Jennifer won Grand Champion and walked away with the big prize of $10,000.  Looks like her hubby, Tommy (Whiskey Ranch) will be wearing pink for quite a while.

We hung out and waited for the awards, meeting up with friends, ate BBQ nachos (which were really good by the way), and cooled off in the tent.  Teams had time to clean up, relax, and cool off before awards.  Congrats to all the teams that competed.  There was $40,000 in prize money to be had.  There were 47 teams, some really big names, and some fairly new teams as well.  All Sauced Up took the Nevada State Championship.  The comradery and friendly competition between teams is awesome.  Folks are willing to help out other teams if items were forgotten, etc.  It's just a great bunch of people.  Next year, look for us there.