Interview with AZ BBQ by Monty Tyler
A note from the editor:
While searching the net looking for interesting stories for our first edition I came across the AZBarbeQue.com site. The first thing that became apparent to me was that these people are more than just BBQ. My impression was that these were some mighty nice people with a passion for their community . After spending some time with Michael Reimann of AZBarbeque via email, I knew my first impression was correct.
The following is an interview with Michael about their event.
TBBQR: You guys are putting together a contest coming up in November. Can you tell me a little about it?
Michael: Yes, it is the 2nd Annual event for us. Last year, we had 52 teams from all over the U.S. and raised over $60K for the Charity Arizona Autism Support. This year, our goal is 75 teams and $100K raised. Our goal is to create a great event that is a destination point for not only the cookers, but also the public.
TBBQR: What is the idea behind being sanctioned by two BBQ Sanctioning Bodies? Has this been done before?
Michael: The idea is to make the event as appealing to the BBQ Competitors as well as the public. By having it sanctioned by two of the largest and most popular sanctioning bodies, it will be like competing in 2 contests at the same time. This concept has only been done about 3 times before as it is very difficult to organize and plan, but we have a great team and we are confident we can pull it all together flawlessly. Also, each sanctioning body is slightly different. KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) requires garnish in the turn in boxes whereas IBCA (International Barbecue Cookers Association) does not. IBCA requires a half Chicken instead of 6 individual pieces like KCBS. KCBS requires that 66% of the judges be certified while IBCA we use just the general public, so the interesting part will be to see how closely the results from both mirror each other. I know I’m very interested in seeing this.
TBBQR: What is the deadline for entering?
Michael: Right now, teams registering and paying before August 1st, 2007, receive a $50 discount off their registration fee, but the official Deadline for registering is October 28th, 2007.
TBBQR: How many teams are you expecting?
Michael: We are hoping to get a minimum of 75 teams competing at this event.
TBBQR: Do you plan on making this an annual event?
MICHAEL: Yes, this is already the 2nd annual event and we looking at making this a long term event with lots of great prizes and money attached to it.
TBBQR: Can you give me contact information concerning entering?
Michael: Yes, you can visit the official web site at www.SWIBBQCookoff.com or www.AZBarbeque.com for more info.
TBBQR: Is the contest by invitation only or can anyone enter?
Michael: It is open to everyone, professional BBQers, Backyard BBQers, New BBQers, Tailgaters, etc. Anyone and everyone who has a passion for BBQ is invited to come join us for this great event.
Interview with AZ BBQ
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
