Kelly Thronson Memorial BBQ Contest Set for September 10th

Ada, MN — Think you got what it takes to be the next BBQ Pitmaster? You can find out by participating in the annual Kelly Thronson Memorial BBQ Contest on Saturday, September 10^th at the Norman County Fairgrounds. Up to 40 cookers of all different experience levels will compete to see who cooks the best ribs, and new this year, the best chicken! Cash prizes of $500, $250, and $100 will be awarded for the top ribs and $250, $150, and $50 for the top chicken. A people’s choice category is also in the mix to take home bragging rights and a traveling trophy. BBQ Contest organizer Austen Germolus says the best part about the competition is that even if you’re not a professional smoker, it’s a good opportunity to mingle with others and learn tricks of the trade.

Everyone has their own style and set up and Germolus adds that while everyone is putting out a good product, not one person has dominated from year to year.

Germolus talks about the addition of the chicken category this year and how that adds to the dynamic of the competition.

The cost to register is $60 in advance for the Ribs competition and $40 for chicken. You can also purchase additional ribs for $20 a rack. The competition will run from 8:30 until 4pm on September 10^th with awards announced at 5:30pm.

Full details and information can be found online by visiting the Kelly Thronson Memorial BBQ Contest on Facebook.

Listen to the full interview with Austen Germolus below: