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!

Some photos taken by Sandy Akins

From the Plainsman (Auburn University’s Campus Newspaper):

At the masquerade-themed party inspired by Cirque Du Soleil, guests were greeted with a red carpet and mingled in formal gowns and sequined masks under a romantically lit tent.

The ball was held Feb. 12 at Pebble Hill and benefited artists connected with The Layman Group, a nonprofit art organization whose purpose is to promote local art in the Auburn area and throughout the state.

…

While guests were entertained with musical and theatrical performances, they also enjoyed refreshments provided by Earth Fare and Opelika Pork(er) Tour, a championship barbecue team from the Auburn-Opelika area.

On Friday we had butt, brisket, ribs and chicken. We started smoking at 5:30am and had everything ready including coleslaw, brownies, cookies and baked beans. We had one of the largest, if not the largest, crowds at the competition on Friday night.

Saturday was competition day and we had our game faces on. That being said our game faces are much less stern than some. We had a great time and pulled out some solid BBQ ribs and chicken.

Here are some pictures from the event: