For the 6th year, Hilo has hosted a BBQ Cook-Off and this year's event got under way yesterday, Tuesday 3rd with the judging of the Poke and Chili competition. Today was the turn of the BBQ Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Pulled Pork and Brisket.
The event is sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association and serves as the Hawaii State BBQ Championship drawing competitors from around the island, the state and even from the mainland.
The commuter parking lot between Bayfront and Kamehameha Avenue served as the setting for the event. We didn't count how many tents were set up but there were at least 20. Several restaurants and quite a few individuals were drawing crowds with the delicious aromas wafting all over the area. We parked on the socker field across the way and could smell the combined aromas all the way before we even got out of the car.
The winners of this contest will represent the State of Hawaii in the World Championship Invitational Barbeque Competition in Lynchburg, Tennessee in October of this year.
The day was clear, sunny with a nice breeze blowing from the bay.
As we were walking along we met quite a few friends we hadn't seen in a while... and it was fun to people watch.
Anthony got recruited to serve as one of 10 judges in the BBQ Pulled Pork contest. He got to taste 16 different entries. He was invited to participate again next year.
We picked up some pulled pork and BBQ chicken to bring home for our dinner this afternoon. We could not stay to wait for the results of the competition but wish luck to all of them.
Wishing everyone a very Happy and Safe 4th of July!
