New Holland is known for a lot of things – the sales barn, New Holland Machine etc. – and the annual Summer Fest. The Fest is held in the borough park a block behind our store, and is actually a barbecue cook-off among 72 competitors. The winner is the PA state champion. The winner receives a invitation to each of the two major national events: the American Royal and the Jack Daniels. These apparently are the Worlds of grilling.
Like carriage driving competitions, there are rules for sanctioned events such as this one. The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) provides the technical delegates and oversees judging by the 6 sanctioned judges. There are even learner judges.
The two-day event begins Friday morning with meat inspections to confirm it is free of any marinades or rubs. Only after inspection can these be added. Cooking starts Friday (only wood or charcoal allowed), and judging begins Saturday at 11:30 with the sausage division. Every half hour a different meat is presented for judging. A perfect score is 180, and can be achieved only if all 6 judges award a perfect 9. Since 6 x 9 is 54, there must be more math involved – like dressage scoring.
As in competitive carriage driving, competitive grilling is equipment intensive.
You can get started with this unit for just $9,000.
Driven by the appointed judging schedule, the grilling starts Friday night – and the serious chefs sleep on cots next to their grills.
Lunches this weekend were outstanding.
- Jack
