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Blue Springs, MO —
Get those smokers and barbecue sauce out – it’s time for the Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off.
The 2012 Blaze-Off is 6 to 11 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hidden Valley Sports Complex, 6500 N.W. Valley View Road in Blue Springs. The theme for this year’s competition is “Pigs Just Wanna Have Fun.”
This year, 70 teams are registered to compete for $10,000 in cash awards. The Munchin’ Hogs at the Hilton, a team led by Robert Magee of Prairie Village, Kan., took last year’s top prize.
“Preparations are going very well for the Blaze-Off this year,” said Rachel Uptegrove, recreation supervisor for the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department. “The theme this year is the ’80s, so I think there will be more of an ’80s vibe with the ’80s music and costumes.”
The Blaze-Off, which is in its 26th year, is one of the oldest in the region. It trails only the American Royal and the Great Lenexa BBQ contests in years. Uptegrove said there are a couple of new things going on at this year’s event, including live entertainment on Saturday. In addition, the Mighty Moe-Joes will be performing once again.
“We wanted to offer live entertainment (such as local dance companies) to hopefully bring in more attendance and keep those coming more entertained,” she said. “The atmosphere is fun and family-oriented and great for kids and adults.”
Back again this year is the “Buck-A-Bone” Public BBQ Tasting. Barbecue, side dishes and desserts from the contestants can be purchased. Tickets can be purchased at the Blaze-Off Information Booth. One ticket is equivalent to $1, and all proceeds benefit the Blue Springs Community Services League.
A beer garden will also be open from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
There are several categories for barbecue contestants to enter. This includes chicken, pork rubs, pork butt or shoulder, beef brisket, sausage and dessert. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Although competition is being held in six categories, only brisket, pork, chicken and pork ribs will count toward the overall grand champion. In addition to the cash prizes, the team voted “Most Enthusiastic” will receive an award.
There is even a barbecue competition for children. The Kid-Q is open for children ages 5 to 15 in two categories – beef or chicken. Ribbons will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. Awards will be given out Saturday afternoon.
A free shuttle service is available Friday night from John Nowlin Elementary, about a quarter-mile east on Valley View Road.
For more information on the Blaze-Off, contact the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department at 816-228-0137 or visit the festival’s website at www.bluespringsblazeoff.com.
Get those smokers and barbecue sauce out – it’s time for the Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off.
The 2012 Blaze-Off is 6 to 11 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hidden Valley Sports Complex, 6500 N.W. Valley View Road in Blue Springs. The theme for this year’s competition is “Pigs Just Wanna Have Fun.”
This year, 70 teams are registered to compete for $10,000 in cash awards. The Munchin’ Hogs at the Hilton, a team led by Robert Magee of Prairie Village, Kan., took last year’s top prize.
“Preparations are going very well for the Blaze-Off this year,” said Rachel Uptegrove, recreation supervisor for the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department. “The theme this year is the ’80s, so I think there will be more of an ’80s vibe with the ’80s music and costumes.”
The Blaze-Off, which is in its 26th year, is one of the oldest in the region. It trails only the American Royal and the Great Lenexa BBQ contests in years. Uptegrove said there are a couple of new things going on at this year’s event, including live entertainment on Saturday. In addition, the Mighty Moe-Joes will be performing once again.
“We wanted to offer live entertainment (such as local dance companies) to hopefully bring in more attendance and keep those coming more entertained,” she said. “The atmosphere is fun and family-oriented and great for kids and adults.”
Back again this year is the “Buck-A-Bone” Public BBQ Tasting. Barbecue, side dishes and desserts from the contestants can be purchased. Tickets can be purchased at the Blaze-Off Information Booth. One ticket is equivalent to $1, and all proceeds benefit the Blue Springs Community Services League.
A beer garden will also be open from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
There are several categories for barbecue contestants to enter. This includes chicken, pork rubs, pork butt or shoulder, beef brisket, sausage and dessert. The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Although competition is being held in six categories, only brisket, pork, chicken and pork ribs will count toward the overall grand champion. In addition to the cash prizes, the team voted “Most Enthusiastic” will receive an award.
There is even a barbecue competition for children. The Kid-Q is open for children ages 5 to 15 in two categories – beef or chicken. Ribbons will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. Awards will be given out Saturday afternoon.
A free shuttle service is available Friday night from John Nowlin Elementary, about a quarter-mile east on Valley View Road.
For more information on the Blaze-Off, contact the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Department at 816-228-0137 or visit the festival’s website at www.bluespringsblazeoff.com.
