Give Us S'more BBQ

Smoke was in the air but this time the source was easy enough to locate – the array of BBQ grills in the parking lot across from the Glasgow Elks. The smoke mixed with the sweet and savory aroma of BBQ sauce set many a locals mind at ease and their stomachs a growl. Any risk of fire was easily negated by the mouths watering.

A number of chefs and enthusiasts set up camp in the lot eager for a chance to win the 4th Annual Glasgow Elks "Middle of Nowhere" BBQ Cook-Off. Those chances were up to six discerning judges, set up inside the Elks. With napkins, forks, water and the rules in front of them, the judges dug into five rounds of judging the BBQ offerings.

After Jeff Cole presented each round of entrees, this year's judges dug in with gusto while referring back to the provided rule book. After working their way through the many courses and submitting their reviews, Elks members tallied the votes and awarded the prizes for the 2022's contest.

To the surprise of few, Smoke on the Waters – Sam Waters and Brandon Larsen – walked away with the Grand Champion trophy. The now-legendary duo took the top slot in the chicken, ribs and pork categories while taking second in the brisket competition.

The Reserve Grand Champion trophy went to Cubby Damon, of Baby Got Back BBQ. Damon won the judges over in the brisket category. Baby Got Back BBQ placed fifth in chicken, third in ribs and second in pork.

Team Kastet – Ross Kastet, Dave Kastet and Cindy Swanson – placed third this year. They took second in ribs, third in chicken and fourth in both pork and brisket.

Mike Meredith and Arlie McMichael, of Hawgnutz BBQ, claimed fourth place with a second place win in chicken and third in brisket.

Roadkill Cafe won the Wild Card category this year with a S'more featuring candied bacon and finished in fifth place overall. Shane Rhoads and Ryan Feezell took third in pork and fourth in chicken.

Hard Meat to Eat! by Zac Garsjo swept fifth places in ribs, pork and brisket.

Swanson, on her own for Team Swanson, took fourth in ribs.

After judging, the crowds lined up anxious for a chance to sample all the offerings. It didn't take long before the competitors were scraping the bottom of their pans. Latecomers found themselves back in the Elks with handfuls of tickets they were unable to use while those first on the scene filled their bellies with delectables.

Check the Glasgow Elks Lodge 1922's Facebook page for information on next year's cook-off and other events.