J&D’s are using THE BACATHLON to both raise money for Ashley’s Team, a charity in support of childhood cancer patients and their families and to launch three new bacon flavored products; BaconPop (bacon flavored microwave popcorn), BaconRanch www.thebaconranch.com (bacon flavored ranch dip/dressing) and Mmmvelopes (bacon flavored envelopes). All of which will be available to sample at THE BACATHLON.

Entry fee for team participants is $125 and inloocludes a 25’w x 18’d space (3 parking spaces). Each team must be able to fit all of its equipment, cooking devices, tents, etc. into this space. Addition 9’w x 18’w (1 parking space is $75.00.) Electricity is $25.00. Teams interested in competing must complete and submit a registration form with entry fee by Monday, August 28st, 2009 at 5:00 pm. After August 28, the entry fee will be $175.00. Applications with complete details are available on-line at www.MissionCVB.org, or by contacting Amy Richards, barbecue coordinator (913) 722-8223.

The “Battle of the Brisket” is a Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned event. Ribbons and cash prizes will be given through 10th place in the categories of Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, Beef Brisket, Side Dish and Dessert. The Grand Champion Team will receive $1,500 in cash, a plaque, and certificate. The Reserve Champion Team will receive $750 and a plaque. Teams must compete in all meat categories to be eligible to be considered for the championship designation.

The Mission Convention and Visitors Bureau was established in August 2003 by the City of Mission, Kansas to assist in the revitalization and redevelopment of the Mission business district. Responsibilities of the committee include development and administration of investment and revitalization programs for this area.

They are black, XL. To enter, just add a comment to this post and I’ll have a random drawing at the end of the month!

Grand Prize is a trip for two to Steven Raichlen’s Barbecue University at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado and a Weber Genesis E320 gas grill. Other prizes include a Weber Performer charcoal grill along with a basket of Steven Raichlen tools and spices from Charcoal Companion.

Steven is looking for the next Beer-Can Chicken or Planked Salmon — an Ultimate Grilling Recipe that’s innovative, unusual, a little outrageous, but works like a dream. The recipe should reflect a high level of creativity and passion, it’s got to be delicious, other grillers will need to make it, and it must awesome.

The contest runs from April 27th to July 10th. For Official Contest Rules and Entry form on Steven’s website.

Being in Tennessee, they aren’t going to let you leave without a healthy sampling of bourbon whiskey! If that’s not enough, Tablas Creek Winery will walk guests through the process of pairing a wine with their grilled masterpieces. Of course, the highlight of each day will be the a fabulous meal.

You’ll be learning to master the grill in luxery my friends! The resort is situated on a 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains and features the finest ammenities. In fact, the 2004 Zagat Survey rated them as the #1 Small Hotel in America.

For more information, or to reserve your spot, check out the Blackberry Farm Website. While I can’t make it this time around, I hope to attend this event next year and learn a trick or two. If so, I’ll be sure to give everyone a full report.

They are currently seeking proclamation to make this a qualifying/championship event and they expect this to be finalized by next week. The total prize money is $8,500 and it will pay through 5 places. The Grand Champion wins $2,500 plus trophy and the Reserve Grand Champion wins $1,250 plus trophy. Everyone who places will also receive a formal certificate.

Entry fees for this contest are a low $150 and everyone will receive the standard 20 x 20 space. The Web site will be completed by next Friday, so “check it out”:http://www.greatarkansassmokeout.com soon.

The RibFest features a KCBS-sanctioned grilling contest, along with demonstrations, a vendors’ row of BBQ-related items, lots of great BBQ vendors, music, kids activities and general good times. You can check out their “website”:http://www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org/ for the details.

Last year’s event drew a little over 5,000 people and raised thousands of dollars for local non-profits). I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.

You can enter meats in several categories; Beef, Chicken, Ribs, Pork, or Mutton. There is also a chili cookoff category. Entry is $25 for a single category or $35 for all. To be eligible for the Grand Champion award, you must enter all categories.

The Lions Club uses funding from the barbecue to pay for eye glasses and surgeries for children and other needy folks. It’s a worth cause, and I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. If you are in the Richmond Kentucky area you might like to enter the contest.

There are two divisions, Backyard Expert and Professional. Competitors bring their own grills, marinades, rubs, and mojo — but the steaks are provided. This is an all ribeye event. I do believe the ribeye is the national steak of Texas!

Visitors can enjoy a steak dinner with salad, baked potato, and a Texas staple — iced tea. I bet there will be a long line around the booth of the winner. I wonder if they get to charge more than the last place team?

Hico, incidentally was the home of Bill Roberts, an interesting character who in his later years claimed to be the infamous outlaw Billy the Kid. According to Roberts, Pat Garrett shot the wrong man! They even have a Billy the Kid museum if you’d like to launch your own investigation.

You’ll be judged by various famous NASCAR drivers I’ve never heard of and The Food Network’s Mario Batali. Contestants can spend up to $500 on groceries and $1000 on decorations (cash provided). That seems backwards to me, shouldn’t the bulk of the money to go to the food?

Think you have what it takes to stand out from the crowd of NASCAR tailgaters? Tell us why, in 250 words or less, and also:

* Submit your top five tips for creating the perfect tailgate party.
* Share your favorite, original tailgating recipe.
* If selected as a finalist, this is one of three recipes you will be asked to prepare at the finals.
* While not required, entrants are also encouraged to submit photos or videos that demonstrate their abilities in the area of tailgating.

Completed entries must be received no later than July 26, 2006.

Thanks “Dock”:http://jdmyrick.livejournal.com!