By Jeffrey V. Smith
Enjoy world-class barbecue, exciting pig races and free bands on Main Street Frisco, June 17-19, during the official state barbeque competition at the 17th Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge. The event offers barbecue fanatics great eating from more than 60 teams from Kansas to California.
The Colorado BBQ Challenge is an “official” barbeque contest as it is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The group works with Frisco to make sure the Colorado challenge complies with their standards for BBQ contests.
The first official state BBQ challenge, held in Frisco in 1993, had 12 amateur and professional competitors. Following the first event, Frisco’s officials pledged to continue the challenge as a fundraiser to provide local non-profit organizations with a consistent fundraising stream. The first 15 years of the event raised more than $500,000. The event has been growing each year and has now been capped at about 60 participants.
. Main Street in Frisco becomes a barbeque lover’s dream during the annual Colorado BBQ Challenge.
This year, BBQ cookers will compete to be named Grand Champion, which also comes with a $3,000 prize. The Reserve Grand Champion takes home $1,500. After the top two positions, awards are given for first through 10th place in ribs, chicken, pork brisket and “anything goes” categories. There are also first through third place awards for sauce, salsa, side dishes and desserts. Awards for kids 10 and under and 11-15 years will be given, as will three People’s Choice awards. The team with the best set-up and costumes as selected by the Frisco mayor’s panel will win a trophy as well.
In addition to great food, free music will be offered along Main Street. Legendary California act New Riders of the Purple Sage, which emerged from the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco in 1969, will perform, as will The Radiators, New Orleans’ longest-running and most successful rock band. Other acts will also perform throughout the event.
Additional entertainment can be found in Main Street restaurants and bars that will keep the party going on Saturday, June 19, with the BBQ Happy Hour. Live music and drink specials from 4 p.m. until midnight will be featured.
Ribs and corn on the barbeque
With reservations and a $100 ticket, true connoisseurs can participate in the Stranahan’s Whiskey Rub It, Smoke It, Sip It BBQ Tour, presented by the Rocky Mountain BBQ Association, Friday, June 18. A limited group of people will join Head Distiller Jake Norris for appetizers and special tasting of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. Participants will then be granted a behind-the-scenes tour of the top award-winning cookers to learn tips, tricks and a few “secrets” from the cooks.
From Denver, take I-70 to exit 201, Frisco Main Street, and follow signs for parking. Call 800-424-1554 for more information.
