By Colin Richards
Have you ever watched a BBQ cook-off on television, or gone to one of these live events and thought that judges at these events had the best job in the world? Well they do. However, to get one of these coveted non-paying positions you have to become a Certified BBQ Judge.
If you compete or are thinking of competing in a BBQ competition, you can learn what goes on in the judge’s tent. Learn what is expected from your turn-in plate and how to prepare to better prepare yourself. If you are a BBQ enthusiast like me, you can learn more about traditional American barbecue. What can be better than spending some quality time with other folks who also enjoy BBQ? Let me be the first to tell you it is so much fun, I have been a judge for over a year now and have judged in nine events. All of the events were in around the Florida Panhandle area. More and more events are being formed so they will need judges. I
The Florida Barbecue Association is holding a BBQ judging class on February 16th (7pm) at Southeast Region Pigfest BBQ. This is being held in Tallahassee, Fla… on the east side of the Panhandle. I made it down a couple times in 2011 for barbecue events. It’s right on I-10 so you can get there within a couple of hours, it’s not too far. These BBQ judging classes don’t come around too often… the last one that I know of was held in Dothan Al. last April. I can’t recommend these classes enough. Official FBA reps will conduct the class and do the instruction. More info on this seminar is on the Florida BBQ Website Link: http://www.flbbq.org/judgeapp.htm
Some of the Benefits of the class/seminar
• You get to eat some pretty good BBQ during the class
• You learn about BBQ from some of FBA’s best Q’rs
• You meet and mingle with other BBQ enthusiasts
• You can sign up to judge on the following day (if there is room) or any other FBA sanctioned BBQ competition
• You become an Official Florida BBQ Association (FBA) Judge… this alone is worth the price of admission.
Note: Read the preceding Post by Kerry Ferrall
