Any spring comps in SE MI?

[smoke ninja]

Never been in a bbq comp before and thinking about going to one. I want to go for the social aspect, to have fun and meet people. Are there any close to metro Detroit?

What's the typical cost to do one? Entry cost, food, ect.
I don't want to spend a small fortune, I would do it for fun, so I don't want to buy several butts, briskets, and a case of ribs.

Anything else I would need for a first time? (Fire extinguisher ect.)

[Ron_L]

So far the only one listed on the KCBS site is in Auburn Hills in June...

http://www.kcbs.us/events.php?year=&month=&id=4510

But, there may be non-sanctioned competitions going on. The Great Lakes BBQ Association (http://www.glbbqa.com/forum/) usually lists those.

It looks like they are sponsoring their Winter Thaw competition in May this year...

http://www.glbbqa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3349

As far as cost, for a KCBS sanctioned competition the entry fee is usually around $200 - $300, plus the cost of your meat. That, of course, varies based on how much you cook. You can get by with a dozen chicken thighs, a couple of racks of ribs, one butt and one brisket as long as you don't mess anything up :) Most of us cook more so we have a margin for error.

There are check lists online and on here with a complete list of equipment. Basics include a smoker or two (depending on size and you timing), table, some sort of shelter, bus tubs for clean up, rubs, sauces, coolers, knives, cutting boards, etc.

Here is one popular site for checklists...

http://www.smokingunsbbq.com/competition.jsp

[smoke ninja]

Sounds like unsanctioned if I do it. Looks like around $500 bucks for kcbs. More then I want to spend for fun.

Maybe I wil visit the Auburn Hills comp. What all is there to do If not competing.

[Ron_L]

Depending on gas, we spend between $500 - $600 for a typical KCBS comp.

There are quire a few rib cookoffs or smaller, two category cookoffs that will give you some experience and fun for a lower cost.

Visiting a competition is a good way to see what goes on. If it is a Friday-Saturday competition visiting on Friday evening will give you a chance to visit with the teams since that is a slower time for most of us. Saturday is good for watching, but most teams are very busy and don't have a lot of time to visit.