A few months ago we started thinking about our then upcoming annual competition in Auburn that we compete in and have won in the past. Bodagetta Barbecue Competition began three years ago and has been touted as Auburn’s new A-day tradition. This past A-day would have been it’s third year (Though only the second time it would have been on A-day weekend). We have had issues in the past getting information early so we were not too concerned at first when we hadn’t received any information and the website was still publicizing the previous year’s competition. However, as A-day weekend was getting closer we contacted the organizers at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and received a non-answer answer about it still being in pre-planning stages.
About a month or so before A-day our excitement had turned to the glum realization that this probably wasn’t happening. As a team with come experience and a desire to do our best whenever we compete or cook it usually takes a month to plan for any major event or completion. Food ordering, securing last minute sponsorships, etc. all take time. We placed a final call a few weeks before the completion and received the answer that the planning folks were still deciding whether or not to have the event. I don’t mean to be overly harsh because I know the planning committee probably does this for little to nothing and they were still relatively new at this but we easily took their answer as it wasn’t happening and we probably would not hear any more on the subject.
It is a shame that something that had such support from the competitors and the KCBS has died so soon. It seemed like a great idea, BBQ in Auburn, football, live music, an opportunity for visitors to boost the local economy and so on. Our team thankfully is not indebted to anyone for sponsorship money for this event though I imagine some teams were.
There are several lessons to be learned by all sides here. From the competitors side, any competition can die off. From the initial planning team for the competition, don’t start something you are not committed to. To the KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society), If an event seems to be faltering look for new leaders. I am almost certain that there are some in Auburn that would have taken over the competition and actually had that conversation the year before with some people that were helping but not in charge.
We still don’t have any information about what happened (and would love some) but we imagine this is the end. Something like this would probably discourage others and ourselves from planning to attend in the future not knowing if it might be canceled without word just before time. The website is still up but it has not been updated in over a year now.
If we had our way we would love to see another competition in town. Maybe a MBN (Memphis Barbecue Network) competition in Opelika near downtown or the rail station. If anyone has word on what happened to Bodagetta BBQ please let us know. If anyone is interested in starting another BBQ competition in Auburn or Opelika please contact us as well!
