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3rd Annual Backyard Rib Competition

  • The Village Park Blue River, Wisconsin, 53518 United States (map)

Think You Have the Best Ribs in town?

Prove it. The 3rd Annual Chiasson Smoke Backyard Rib Competition brings together pitmasters from around the region to settle the score in Blue River's Village Park. Fire up your smoker, bring your best rack, and go head-to-head for serious prize money and serious bragging rights.

This year's event is held right in the heart of Blue River Autumn Fest so while the smoke rolls, the whole community is out to celebrate. Expect a packed park, enthusiastic judges, and plenty of hungry fans ready to taste what you've got.

People's Choice Award

New this year, we're adding a People's Choice Award to the Backyard Rib Competition.

Competition teams that wish to participate should bring their own sample containers and to hand out to the public.

Visitors who would like to sample the ribs and vote should bring one non perishable food item to donate to our local food drive. In return, you'll receive a People's Choice voting ticket to cast your vote for your favorite team.

Come hungry, support a great cause, and help us crown this year's People's Choice Champion!

Welcome to our 3rd Annual Chiasson Smoke Backyard Rib Competition! To ensure a fun and fair event, please adhere to the following rules and guidelines:

General Rules

  • Entry Fee: Each team must pay an entry fee of $50

  • Team Size: Teams can consist of up to 4 members.

  • Meat Types: The competition will be judged solely on each team's rib entry. Teams are welcome to bring and cook other types of meat for personal use or public sampling, but only ribs submitted as the official competition entry will be considered for judging. Each team must bring their own packaged meat that will be Inspected on site (meat must be in original packaging) Ribs cannot be prepared outside of grounds.

  • Cooking Methods: All cooking methods are permitted (grill, smoker, etc.). Teams must bring their own equipment. Including generators for pellet grills. No electricity will be available at cooking locations

  • Ingredients: Teams are responsible for all ingredients, seasonings, and marinades.

  • Safety: Teams must follow food safety guidelines. Meat must be kept at appropriate temperatures and properly handled.

Competition Schedule

  • Setup Time: Teams can begin setting up at 6:00 AM

  • Meat will be inspected by a member of the Chiasson Smoke team

  • Meeting at Blue River shelter at 7:30AM

  • Cooking Time: Cooking starts at 8:00 AM and turn in is at 2:30PM. (6½ hours)

  • The competition is open to the public at 11am

  • Judging Time: Judging will begin promptly (Rib turn in 2:30 PM)

  • Awards Ceremony: Winners will be announced at 4 PM.

Judging Criteria

  • Taste: 10 points

  • Tenderness: 10 points

  • Appearance: 10 points

  • Each team is required to turn in 7 rib bones for judging. We suggest bringing 2-3 racks so you have plenty to choose from.

    People’s Choice (optional)

    The People’s Choice Award is about the full experience your team brings

    to the competition. Guests are encouraged to consider your ribs, team

    setup and presentation, friendliness and interaction with the public, and

    any sides, appetizers, or snacks you choose to serve.

    Have fun with it, make your booth your own, and give the crowd something to remember!

    What to Bring

    Teams are responsible for providing their own containers or serving supplies for any samples offered to the public.

    Each team must also provide a clearly visible container, bucket, box, or other receptacle at their booth for collecting People’s Choice tickets.

    Cooking Rules

  • Preparation: All meat must be prepared and cooked on-site.

  • Heat Source: Only Pellet Smokers, charcoal grills and Stick burners will be allowed.

  • Garnish: No garnish allowed Foil inserts will be provided along with styrofoam container for turn in.

  • Blind Judging: Teams will be assigned a number to ensure anonymity during judging.

    Conduct Rules

  • Sportsmanship: All teams are expected to display good sportsmanship.

  • Cleanliness: Teams must keep their cooking area clean and dispose of trash properly.

  • Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is allowed but must be done responsibly. Drunk or disorderly behavior will result in disqualification.

  • Assistance: Teams can seek help or advice from other teams, but the cooking must be done by team members only.

    Miscellaneous

  • Weather: The event will proceed rain or shine. In case of severe weather, the competition may be rescheduled.

  • Disputes: All disputes must be brought to the attention of the event organizers. The organizers' decisions are final.

  • Prizes: 100% Payback. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place with an additional $1,000 added!

    Thank you for participating and good luck to all competitors! Enjoy the BBQ!