by Jeff Quibell
8. September 2009 12:06
|  BBQ Blaze-Off
The Blue Springs Barbeque Blaze-Off is a state championship barbeque contest that takes place annually the first weekend after Labor Day. The event hosts over 75 cooking teams, requires over 90 judges and attracts an ever growing crowd of spectators each year. A committee of volunteers works year round planning for this special weekend in September. The longtime contest slogan, "Good times, Good friends and Great barbeque!" reflects the committee's commitment to cooking teams, judges and everyone that comes out to experience the event. The 2009 Blaze-Off will be held Friday and Saturday, September 11-12, at Hidden Valley Park Sports Complex. Hidden Valley Park is located at 6500 NW Valley View Road in Blue Springs, MO. This will be the 26th Annual Barbeque Blaze-Off. The first Blaze-Off was held in 1984 and hosted seven teams competing under the downtown water tower during the City's Fall Fun Festival. Since then, we have changed the contest date to precede the Fall Fun Festival, moved to an even larger location and grown to over 75 teams. Also, we continue to increase the opportunities for the general public to participate and enjoy the event. $1 Buck-a-Bone tickets can be redeemed for food and beverages throughout the event. A beer garden is open both days and soft drinks and water are also available. Barbeque contest teams can sell their choice of food - samples, full meals, side dishes, dessert - priced at one or more Buck-a-Bone tickets. A portion of the proceeds from Buck-a-Bone ticket sales is also donated to Community Services League. The stage will be filled with local groups providing music Friday night and all day Saturday. A charity salsa contest is open to the public on Saturday, September 12th. The public, as well as barbeque teams, can enter homemade salsa that is judged by anyone that purchases a $1.00 Buck-a-Bone ticket. An individual may purchase as many tickets (vote as many times) as they wish. |