Franklin’s Battle of the BBQ

When asked to judge a culinary competition that has the words “heineys and butts” in the title, how could one refuse?

I couldn’t, that’s for sure! That’s right, I will be at the judges table for Friday night’s Sauce Fight, part of Franklin’s Battle of the BBQ. This particular competition is just the beginning of what is sure to be a dream weekend for any barbecue lover.

The Memphis BBQ Network-sanctioned event will be held on Friday and Saturday (during the annual Pumpkinfest), and will feature 30 competition and backyard barbecue teams. There are a few different ways you can participate in the event, so follow along closely:

 

Friday Night Sauce Fight and Smoked Meat Feast party

Friday, October 28th
6 pm

Cost: $50
Includes: Heineken beer, viewing of the sauce competition, live music from the ConSoulers, and last but certainly not least, a Smoked Meat Fest from Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant that will include barbecued lamb shank, smoked salmon Memphis Style, chicken sausage jambalaya, red beans and rice with smoked sausage, beef brisket chimichangas, and an incredible selection of side dishes.

VIP Weekend Pass ~ BBQ Lovers Dream Weekend package

Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th

Cost: $125
Includes: All of Friday night’s festivities listed above, unlimited access to the Heineys and Butts tent on Saturday, and the opportunity to spend the day Saturday with the MBN competition judges, observing the process, touring the professional barbecue trailers, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the scoring process while sampling the product of the nation’s best competitive barbecue smokers.

Saturday’s tasting in the Heineken tent

Saturday, October 29th
3:30 pm – 9 pm

Cost: $5
Includes: Five tasting size samples of pulled pork. Competition ribs can be purchased for an additional $1 per bone.

Note: Anyone who tastes can cast a vote in the People’s Choice Awards. The awards ceremony for all categories will be held at 6 p.m.

For more information on all of the events, a list of the competition teams, and to purchase tickets, visit the Battle of the BBQ website.