Champion barbecue contest on schedule

Champion is gearing up for a big community BBQ event with a June 11 contest sanctioned event with the Midwest BBQ Association.
 Event chairperson Cindy Fischer of Wauneta said they have planned for 20 participants in the BBQ Championship, and only have two more spots left to fill.
Fischer said there is a guaranteed pot of $5,000 to be awarded to several place-winners in each division.
The entry fee for the cookers is $100, and all meats will be provided.
BBQ chefs will set up south and west of the Champion Community Center and start cooking Friday night, June 10.
Contestants will be preparing brisket, ribs, pork butt and a “Blind Box Challenge,” which will be another protein to be prepared whatever way the cooker chooses.
Ribs will be judged at 4 p.m., followed in half-hour increments with pork butt, brisket and the Blind Box Challenge.
Following the judging, the community feed will begin and serve the barbecued meats, baked beans, chips and drinks, Fischer said.
The cost of a meal will be $10 a plate for adults and $5 for youths age 3-10.
Fischer noted that people are invited to walk through the area where the cookers are working on Saturday.
Other activities will be going on during the day.
“We are planning to have a craft fair on the grounds. We will have a food truck, a coffee truck and an ice cream truck, as well,” she said.
The Champion Jr. Women’s Club will be selling desserts with proceeds going to the club’s own fundraiser.
During the event, the Chase County Museum will be open to visitors June 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And for those looking to find those hidden treasures, a citywide garage sale will begin around 8 a.m.
Proceeds from the BBQ will go to the Champion Community Center.
Cooks wanting to register for the last two contest openings can go to Midwest BBQ Association Facebook page or contact Fischer at 308-883-5241.