Entries due next week for barbecue, Iron Skillet contests

    Three of the anchor events at next month’s Smokin’ on Broadway are its barbecue and baked bean contests, and the Iron Skillet Contest.
    On Saturday, June 23, they’ll take center stage among a day full of events at the city office property at 8th and Broadway Streets.
    However, entry deadlines are approaching. Those in the barbecue contests for the meat and baked beans have a June 8 deadline to enter, while the Iron Skillet deadline is a day earlier on June 7.
Barbecue contests
    Preparation for the barbecue and baked beans contests actually start a day or so earlier when ingredients are received.
    There are four categories in the barbecue contest—brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork and chicken. Coordinator Jack Schnieder noted contestants will be entered in all four categories.    
    Meat will be supplied the night before the contest at 9 p.m., as several chefs/teams cook all night. Only wood or charcoal will be allowed as heat sources and contestants must supply their own cooking equipment.
    Individuals or teams can enter, according to the rules.
    On June 23, the four meats will be judged starting at 2 p.m. with the pork ribs, followed by chicken at 2:30, pulled pork at 3 and brisket at 3:30.
    Judges will score each entry on appearance, aroma, tenderness and flavor on a scale from 1-10.
    There is a $100 entry fee, but contestants have the chance to  win first and second place cash prizes of $100 and $50 in each of the four categories, as well as an overall grand prize of $750 and $500 to the overall runner-up.
    Baked beans also has its own division in the competition, with an entry fee of $15 and prizes of $100 and $50 to first and second place.
    Trinidad Bean of Imperial is supplying Nebraska-grown dry beans for the contest, Schnieder said.
    Contestants will prepare the beans in their own six-quart crock pot or similar pot.
    Beans will be distributed on Wednesday, June 20. The judging will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 23.
    Using a 1 to 5 scale, judges will rate entries on appearance, aroma, texture and flavor.
    Entry forms are available at www.smokinonbroadway.com, or by contacting Schnieder at 308-882-4363.

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