first competition

[big blue bbq]

I just sent the check for my first competition. Red Neck BBQ in Sikeston, MO. Now the fear sets in. What have I gotten myself into?

On a happy note, I did what I thougt to be my worst butt Sunday and everyone still thought it was great, even some guys that sell Q professionally. It was almost my comp recipe, but I was just seeing if it could be tampered with to make it better.
Has anyone else every cooked in this comp?

larry

 

[spicewine]

Larry: Stay calm!! You will do fine!! Just get there, set up , get your meat checked in ASAP, get it seasoned and in the cooler. Have fun Friday night. Get around and meet people. Saturday give it all you got!! You will be hooked! And you will do fine!! Not going to do this contest. It's not on our list of 10 to 11 Comps. we are scheduled for this year

Spice

 

[ZILLA]

All the best to ya Big Blue! Have a blast and take notes.

 

[SloppyQ]

Chill Larry, once you get there and checked in things will fall in place. Main goal is to have fun, never had a problem with that!

 

[Jeff_in_KC]

Larry, you'll do fine and you'll definitely be hooked! Just relax and remember... it's just BBQ. We aren't saving the world or finding cures. When I started to think along those terms, our scores went up. Just do what you do and you'll be fine! :wink: Ask any questions about your preparations here. We've all been there and I know from experience... these guys are used to a chitload of questions! :lol:

 

[BBQchef33]

hey jeff, dig up your AR thread for larry.. That'll give him a perspective of a FEAR!!!

Larry, Jeff went to the American Royal for his FIRST contest. He had all of us on speed dial.

 

[bcis93]

Have Fun!

Just remember to have fun and learn from the experience.

 

[slat]

Hey Larry. I think I'm going to do this contest too. If I don't cook it I'll judge it. I plan on this being my first contest of the year. Like the guys say stay calm. I did my very first comp last August. I was a little nervous (sp), but listened to the guys here and had a Brother (Ulcer Acres) that was cooking there too that I could ask questions if I had them. Worked everything out backwards so I would know when to put things on so they would be done on time. It's almost like doing a weekend cook other than you have to hit the times right.

 

[kickassbbq]

Go git 'em Big Blue Man.
Just like Jay says, get set up, crank a smoker and have fun. You'll do great. First one is a learning experience and you will learn a lot of new things and you WILL have a good time.
Smoke On!!!!!

 

[cmcadams]

You'll do fine... Just stay organized and prioritize correctly. Priorities should be:
1. Have fun
2. Get your stuff in on time
3 Have lots of fun
4. Learn a lot, and have fun

 

[SP]

I always say cook how you cook for the first one. The your not trying to do too many new things. Ive seen first time winners. Good luck.

 

[Bigmista]

One last thing. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!

Get pictures of cooking area, turn in boxes, people that come to visit, different smokers, different banners, awards ceremony, pretty girls, trucks, trailers and anything else you can find.

 

[SP]

One last thing. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!

Get pictures of cooking area, turn in boxes, people that come to visit, different smokers, different banners, awards ceremony, pretty girls, trucks, trailers and anything else you can find.

and pretty girls
and girls you think that are pretty when you've been drinking.

 

[big blue bbq]

Thanks for the calming influence guys. Slat, I look forward to meeting you there.

 

[big blue bbq]

I am doing three comps this year. Rest of the schedule is Tennesee Heritage in Smyrna TN in June, or Amazin Blazin in Lebanon in August, Plus Lenoir TN in October. If I add another it will either be Cape BBQ fest in Cape Girardeau Mo in August or Gallatin Tn Smoking in the Square in August. It should be a fun Summer.

 

[slat]

Looking forward to it too.