Competition draws professionals
By Holly Neumann
The Great Wisconsin Tune Up BBQ and Steak Cook-off Association (SCA) Competition is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, at Bear Lake Campground and Resort, State Highway 22 and 110, in Manawa.
Approximately 30 teams will compete in four meat categories – chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket.
Each category is judged by Kansas City Barbeque Society certified judges for appearance, taste and tenderness.
The SCA double competition on Sunday, April 28 is judged by SCA certified judges.
“For the BBQ teams competing, the prize purse of $5,000 and invaluable practice for the upcoming double competition the following weekend and others throughout the season,” said Brenda Vander Zanden, who helps organize the event. “The Great Wisconsin Tune Up BBQ and SCA Competition is the first barbecue competition in Wisconsin each year.”
Spectators are welcome to attend.
“There is a $5 per person entry fee,” said Vander Zanden. “Guest can walk the campgrounds and interact with the professional barbecue teams as they compete. The public is not allowed in the judging area.”
After Shock Smokers will have barbecue available for sale at their food truck and barbecue teams will have samples available at a designated demo station.
Local craft vendors will have items for sale. Raffle boards and 50/50 raffles will also take place.
Vander Zanden said this is a great event for the community, sponsors and charity.
“The ability for a small town like Manawa to host a state-sanctioned national competition speaks volumes to Manawa’s infrastructure and vision,” said Vander Zanden. “We couldn’t ask for a better facility host/partner than Bear Lake Campground & Resort. They are incredibly generous and flexible with our needs and continually demonstrate a ‘can do’ attitude.”
This year’s benefactor is Beja Shriners, the local chapter of Shriners International which founded Shriners Hospitals for Children as its official philanthropy in 1922.
“What began as one hospital is now a world-renowned pediatric specialty health care system with 22 locations in three countries,” said Vander Zanden.
The fraternity continues to operate and support this unique health care system, which provides free surgical intervention and medical care for children with orthopedic needs, including prosthetics, durable medical equipment and therapies, as well as transportation to and from appointments, lodging as needed and meals for patients and parents.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Vander Zanden at 920-427-6814.