State of Michigan BBQ Competition 2009

Hot off the coals The dates are set for the 2009 State of Michigan BBQ Competition (and Taste of Grand Rapids).

Let the trash talking begin!!!

Dear Barbecue Enthusiast: (who isn’t??)

It’s hard to believe that we’re getting ready for our 11^th annual “Taste of Grand Rapids & Barbecue Competition” presented by WBFX 101.3 The FOX .

This year’s dates are Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25, 2009 .

I wanted to make sure that we got all of the information to you as early as possible so that you will make plans to join us at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids , Michigan (that means all my friends on Facebook and Twitter!)

Enclosed please find the entry application package that explains how our Tournament works and other pertinent information. The final two (2) pages need to be filled out and returned with your $125 entry fee, the same entry fee as last year. As an incentive to sign up early, the entry fee will rise to $150 per team on Monday, June 22^nd. It is my hope that no one will have to pay the additional fee this year! Each booth will be 30 x 15 and there is no electricity available.

The categories for this year’s event will include the four main meat categories as well as three side dishes and dessert. The main meat categories will include pork,(need to practice) brisket (potential contender after disaster in 2008) ribs ( 7th place in 2008) and chicken (my specialty). The side dishes will be vegetables, beans and potatoes.

Judging for the Side Dish categories and dessert will be on Friday, July 24^th and (Friday night is the party, Saturday is strictly business) the four meat categories will be judged on Saturday, July 25^th. We will again conduct our contest in conjunction with our “Taste of Grand Rapids” celebration which will be bigger and better than ever this year. I am proud to announce that Merle and Carole Whitebrook will again be administering our contest this year. This is their third year coming to Grand Rapids and their second consecutive year, and we couldn’t be happier. We have worked diligently with the Whitebrooks’ to make the “Taste of Grand Rapids & Barbecue Competition” a great barbecue experience!

Please fill out the enclosed entry form and send it back to make sure that your team space is reserved. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to e-mail me at richberry@clearchannel.com or Marcia Herrema at marciaherrema@clearchannel.com.

See you on July 24^th and 25^th, 2009 in Grand Rapids for the 11^th annual “Taste of Grand Rapids & Barbecue Competition” at John Ball Park .