The first-ever Heritage Heat Western Smokin’ BBQ competition was a hit with competitors and guests alike, according to organizers.
Held at the Heritage Centre – also known as the Big Red Barn – on Highway 580 just east of Cremona, the May 24-26 competition featured 23 professional teams, eight amateur teams, and five kids' teams. In all, 112 people competed, and there were more than 1,000 guests.
There were competitors from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The furthest north in Alberta came from Peace River and the furthest south was from Medicine Hat, and from Acadia Valley in the east to Water Valley in the west.
In the professional category, Chris Zinger won in chicken, Scott Chomos won in pork ribs, Robert Turner won in pork, Jason Welikoklad won in brisket and Scott Chomos won overall.
In the amateur category, Wade McArthur won in beef, pork and overall.
In the kids' category, Arend and Devin Houle took first in pork, Alexander and Adrijanna Ketchmark first in steak, and the Houles were overall winners.
Guests enjoyed barbecue tastings and barbecue platters, with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Ag for Life and Habitat for Humanity charities. In all, $6,500 was raised for the charities.
Money was also raised by the Didsbury Elks through a pancake breakfast, and Airdrie and District Quilt Guild Society.
There were 12 entertainers/groups that performed over the weekend.
Centre owner and event organizer Debora Rice-Salomon said the event went well.
“We were pleased,” she said. “We covered the whole province. And the entertainers were fantastic.”
There are plans to hold the competition again in 2020, she said.
