Barbecue Cookoffs Are Coming This Summer!

If you love barbecue --- smoky, tangy ribs, spicy pulled pork, sizzling juicy chicken --- you will want to mark your calendar for not one, not two, but three barbecue cookoffs sponsored by The Markets this summer!

The live barbecue cookoff competitions feature over 20 teams, chasing big prize money and the golden opportunity to compete on a national stage.  These two-day events create fabulous smells and even more fabulous food for you to sample.  Is there a better way to spend a sunny summer afternoon?

The first is the return of  the Skagit Valley BBQ Championship, which will be held at the Sedro Woolley Food Pavilion on June 19-20.  Last year was the first, and it was a resounding success.

The next is the second time around for BBQ on the Border, at The Market at Birch Bay on July 17-18.  The third is a brand new event , The Markets Cookoff, hosted by Sunset Cost Cutter on August 7-8.

If you can't get enough barbecue, join us at The Market at Fairhaven for a BBQ Pitmaster Class on May 22.  This 12-hour event, with instructors from Dances with Smoke and Raven's Fyre BBQ, will give you ample info on all aspects of barbecue.  Attendees will prepare four competition meats for judging, too.  Cost to attend is $150 and includes all meat, rub materials and wood for the pit.  Contact Tom Wallin at tkwallin@comcast.net for more details. 

If you have a team ready to compete in any of the three events listed above, sign up at the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association's website: www.pnwba.com 

If you're just a person who loves barbecue or just a person who loves good food in a friendly setting, mark your calendars to join us!  Cook on!