Harpoon Vt 2009 Invitational

Sledneck · 04-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Dear Barbecue Team,

We regret to inform you that the 2008 Harpoon Championships of New England Barbecue is sold out. The good news is that we will be changing our registration process for the event in 2009. Currently we fill the spots with the teams that participated in the previous year.

In 2009 we will be instituting an “Invitational” admission process that will require each team to complete an application. All these applications will then be reviewed and the most qualified teams (in our own estimation) will be invited to compete in the event.

We plan on beginning the application process in January of 2009. If you would like to receive an application, please contact us in January of 2009.

Thank you for your interest in our event.

Sincerely,

The Harpoon Brewery

SmokeInDaEye · 04-01-2008, 01:54 PM

Got the same thing. I guess that means every 2007 team is returning, a surprise given how many new ones got in last year.

Mrs. Sawdust · 04-01-2008, 02:28 PM

If I'm not mistaken only 3 new teams got in last year. Vinny, Willie and Us. Harpoon also holds open several spots for National Team Invites, like the Slabs, and Cancer Sucks Chicago(from last year). It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this event.

It appears to me that the growth of BBQ in New England is on the downside with all the contest cancellations we are seeing this year. All of Vito's contests have been cancelled or are not going to be events this year(including Rubbin and Racing, Peters Pond and Bikes, Bands & BBQ by the Bay). Westport is iffy, according to Tom Christine it may just be a BBQ show. Also, New Hampshire is questionable if they don't get enough teams. I guess time will tell.

YankeeBBQ · 04-01-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. Sawdust

If I'm not mistaken only 3 new teams got in last year. Vinny, Willie and Us. Harpoon also holds open several spots for National Team Invites, like the Slabs, and Cancer Sucks Chicago(from last year). It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this event.

It appears to me that the growth of BBQ in New England is on the downside with all the contest cancellations we are seeing this year. All of Vito's contests have been cancelled or are not going to be events this year(including Rubbin and Racing, Peters Pond and Bikes, Bands & BBQ by the Bay). Westport is iffy, according to Tom Christine it may just be a BBQ show. Also, New Hampshire is questionable if they don't get enough teams. I guess time will tell.

New Hampshire is definate. I'm not sure why people keep spreading rumors about the New Hampshire contest.

The cancellation of certain contest also has very little to do with the growth of BBQ in New England and more to do with the Organizer.

Q Haven · 04-01-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrs. Sawdust

If I'm not mistaken only 3 new teams got in last year. Vinny, Willie and Us.

We were a new Harpoon team last year, along with the Pokey Smokers and I'm pretty sure a few others.

Mrs. Sawdust · 04-01-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeBBQ

New Hampshire is definate. I'm not sure why people keep spreading rumors about the New Hampshire contest.

Everything I have read on the NEBS site has been negative. We registered the week the applications came out, so we are happy to hear we have a contest to go to. We enjoyed ourselves there last year, and did not understand the negativity to begin with.

Quote:

The cancellation of certain contest also has very little to do with the growth of BBQ in New England and more to do with the Organizer.

Oooooooooh, we understand.

Sledneck · 04-01-2008, 02:46 PM

Does this rub anybody the wrong way? I could understand if they made it like the AR or JD going by state championships etc but "estimation"? this process is just very wrong.

Mrs. Sawdust · 04-01-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedlor70

We were a new Harpoon team last year, along with the Pokey Smokers and I'm pretty sure a few others.

..... and here I thought you were a veteran of Harpoon.

Transformer BBQ · 04-01-2008, 02:49 PM

Anchormen 2007 but not in 2006, Q Ball was new I believe...

New Hampshire had 16 teams as of last week, and its 2+ months out. I'm not sure if that number includes Chris and Andys teams...

I think we need to wait to learn more on the process for the 2009 contest before this goes off the deep end. We're still 4 months out from even having the 2008 event...

Mrs. Sawdust · 04-01-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sledneck

Does this rub anybody the wrong way? I could understand if they made it like the AR or JD going by state championships etc but "estimation"? this process is just very wrong.

It will be interesting to see what the criteria will be for selection. Who knows maybe they will look for the best fish stick entry

MAsQue · 04-01-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeInDaEye

Got the same thing. I guess that means every 2007 team is returning, a surprise given how many new ones got in last year.

Also got this email. It was the first communication I'd gotten since I started inquiring about applications 4 months ago. I think the communication could be better, even if just more info were available on the website.

ique · 04-01-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeBBQ

New Hampshire is definate. I'm not sure why people keep spreading rumors about the New Hampshire contest.

Sorry to continue off-topic, but I believe NH has turned the corner since it got NEBS sanctioning. For sure the contest has issues but they should make some improvements this year. I'll be competing and I spoke to a bunch of NEBS teams at Snowshoe that will as well. I think the 25 teams will happen.

As far as Harpoon looking to move towards invitational, I'm biased. They sponsor my team, I'm friends with Fitz. I can only say that there is no room to expand the event, so given slots for 40 teams they want the teams that will vend and provide the best experience for the visiting public.

BBQchef33 · 04-01-2008, 03:01 PM

First question.... is this an april fool joke?

if not, I'll bite.

I can see them saying ONLY GC's can sign up, and then the highest nn scoring teams are allowed in.. it would suck for those that have supported the event in the past, now may be facing eviction... but having a 'system' is fair accounting and its up to the team to earn the entry.. It avoids a perception thats it playing favorites.

but to say..
' the most qualified teams (in our own estimation)' IMO, is just unfair...

Why are 'they' experts on who is most qualified? What are there criteria?

Aren't qualifications' already quantified by the KCBS scoring system, the judges, and individual team performance?

Granted, no one can dictate how an organizer chooses to run a contest, but thats not to say we cant voice an opinion and say............ WTF?

I'd really like more information and some first hand knowledge as to WTF....

ique · 04-01-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeInDaEye

Got the same thing. I guess that means every 2007 team is returning, a surprise given how many new ones got in last year.

Pretty sure last year, every single team re-upped. It wasnt until some teams had to cancel for whatever reason that a few wait list teams got in.

Q Haven · 04-01-2008, 03:06 PM

It comes down to what Chris said, they want teams that will vend. Especially on Sunday. If I remember correctly last year some teams packed up and left Saturday night. They want teams that will sell food to the public, that is one of the many things that makes Harpoon so different from other contests.

Personally I am more upset about the new no swimming rule :-(

04-01-2008, 01:33 PM	#1
Sledneck is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 12-04-05 Location: Wantagh, NY	Harpoon Vt 2009 Invitational Dear Barbecue Team, We regret to inform you that the 2008 Harpoon Championships of New England Barbecue is sold out. The good news is that we will be changing our registration process for the event in 2009. Currently we fill the spots with the teams that participated in the previous year. In 2009 we will be instituting an “Invitational” admission process that will require each team to complete an application. All these applications will then be reviewed and the most qualified teams (in our own estimation) will be invited to compete in the event. We plan on beginning the application process in January of 2009. If you would like to receive an application, please contact us in January of 2009. Thank you for your interest in our event. Sincerely, The Harpoon Brewery __________________ [SIZE="3"][B][COLOR="Blue"][URL="http://bbqilluminati.blogspot.com"]BBQ Illuminati Blog[/URL][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR="Blue"][B]Disclaimer: The poster does not take any responsibility for any bad feelings or sense of exclusion that the reader of this post may have-whether real or imagined. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster of this thread would like to also remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.[/B][/COLOR][/B]

04-01-2008, 01:54 PM	#2
SmokeInDaEye Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-13-06 Location: Memphis, TN	Got the same thing. I guess that means every 2007 team is returning, a surprise given how many new ones got in last year. __________________ [URL="http://www.bbq-brethren.com"]http://www.SmokeInDaEye.com[/URL] Gen II Komodo Kamado, Pit Barrel Cooker, 3x 18.5" WSMs, 22.5" WSM, modified 18.5" Weber Kettle, 22.5" Weber Kettle circa 1960ish, Weber One Touch Platinum, copper Weber Smokey Joe, La Caja China, Bubba Keg, Bodom Picnic Grill, Weber Genesis

04-01-2008, 02:28 PM	#3
Mrs. Sawdust On the road to being a farker Join Date: 07-17-06 Location: Vernon,CT	If I'm not mistaken only 3 new teams got in last year. Vinny, Willie and Us. Harpoon also holds open several spots for National Team Invites, like the Slabs, and Cancer Sucks Chicago(from last year). It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this event. It appears to me that the growth of BBQ in New England is on the downside with all the contest cancellations we are seeing this year. All of Vito's contests have been cancelled or are not going to be events this year(including Rubbin and Racing, Peters Pond and Bikes, Bands & BBQ by the Bay). Westport is iffy, according to Tom Christine it may just be a BBQ show. Also, New Hampshire is questionable if they don't get enough teams. I guess time will tell. __________________ Michele (Brewmistress and Pitmistress) BBQ Team: Lawn Guyland Smokers Brewery: Black Dog Brewery Equipment: "Sam-I-Am: XL Big Green Egg "R2 and D2": Twin 22" Weber Smokey Mountains Brewery: Custom Made Automated Souped Up Sabco

04-01-2008, 02:46 PM	#7
Sledneck is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 12-04-05 Location: Wantagh, NY	Does this rub anybody the wrong way? I could understand if they made it like the AR or JD going by state championships etc but "estimation"? this process is just very wrong. __________________ [SIZE="3"][B][COLOR="Blue"][URL="http://bbqilluminati.blogspot.com"]BBQ Illuminati Blog[/URL][/COLOR][/B][/SIZE] [B][COLOR="Blue"][B]Disclaimer: The poster does not take any responsibility for any bad feelings or sense of exclusion that the reader of this post may have-whether real or imagined. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster of this thread would like to also remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.[/B][/COLOR][/B]

04-01-2008, 02:49 PM	#9
Transformer BBQ is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 06-27-07 Location: Canton, MA	Anchormen 2007 but not in 2006, Q Ball was new I believe... New Hampshire had 16 teams as of last week, and its 2+ months out. I'm not sure if that number includes Chris and Andys teams... I think we need to wait to learn more on the process for the 2009 contest before this goes off the deep end. We're still 4 months out from even having the 2008 event... __________________ Brendan B. NEBS, KCBS CBJ [url]www.BBQNewEngland.com[/url] Transformer BBQ FEC 100, Lang 60M, Jamie Geer Backyard Viking Professional Gasser

04-01-2008, 03:01 PM	#13
BBQchef33 Grand Poobah and Site Admin Join Date: 08-11-03 Location: Long Island, NY Name/Nickname : Phil	First question.... is this an april fool joke? if not, I'll bite. I can see them saying ONLY GC's can sign up, and then the highest nn scoring teams are allowed in.. it would suck for those that have supported the event in the past, now may be facing eviction... but having a 'system' is fair accounting and its up to the team to earn the entry.. It avoids a perception thats it playing favorites. but to say.. ' the most qualified teams (in our own estimation)' IMO, is just unfair... Why are 'they' experts on who is most qualified? What are there criteria? Aren't qualifications' already quantified by the KCBS scoring system, the judges, and individual team performance? Granted, no one can dictate how an organizer chooses to run a contest, but thats not to say we cant voice an opinion and say............ WTF? I'd really like more information and some first hand knowledge as to WTF.... __________________ Site Administrator and Grand PooBah CBJ with a Fuzzy Blue Hat, 18 Foot Competition Trailer, Customized Klose BYC, Custom Built Shirley built to feed our Veterans(A.K.A "Abrams"), 1 Double Barreled Lang 84, 1 Heavily Modified Bionic Bandera, 1 Custom Super Medium Stickburning Spicewine w/stoker, 2 XL BGE, 1 Mini BGE, 2 Pit Barrel Cookers, 3 WSMs, 3 Weber Kettles, an NB Hondo, A Modified Brinkman Horizontal, DCS 48" Grill, a Broilmaster P3, a Blackstone 36 and 17, a covered, pellet pooping FEC100, and our duck died. :( News Flash: "A mans worth is judged by the weight of his integrity " You know your getting older when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy Smoke on KC. WWW.BBQ-BRETHREN.COM

04-01-2008, 03:06 PM	#15
Q Haven is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 04-26-06 Location: Orange, CT	It comes down to what Chris said, they want teams that will vend. Especially on Sunday. If I remember correctly last year some teams packed up and left Saturday night. They want teams that will sell food to the public, that is one of the many things that makes Harpoon so different from other contests. Personally I am more upset about the new no swimming rule :-( __________________ Ted Lorson Q Haven BBQ, Orange, CT qhaven.com facebook.com/qhavenbbq Backwoods Competitor, Backwoods Party G2, Backwoods Party

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