Deadline for Webster County Fair Beef Brisket BBQ Cook-Off Contest June

         Are you the best “BBQ Master” in and around Webster County? Are you willing to challenge the rest? Put your BBQ skills to the test, and prove it to all your friends and neighbors. The “Webster County Agricultural Association BBQ Cook-Off” is a new event that will be used to help kick off the 2014 Webster County Fair on Sunday, July 20! The deadline for entry into this contest is June 1 and must either be postmarked or hand delivered to either Ed Jones, President of the Webster County Ag Association, in Bladen, NE or the Webster County UNL Extension Office in Red Cloud, NE by Monday, June 2.
     Entry forms for the cook-off may be obtained by contacting Ed Jones, PO Box 51, Bladen, NE 68928 or by phone at 402-756-1024 or by contacting the Webster Co. Extension Office, Webster Co. Courthouse, 621 North Cedar, Red Cloud, NE 68970 or by phone at 402-746-3417. Interested participants may also download the entry forms and flyer on the internet at www.webstercounfair.org  or www.webster.unl.edu  .
     There will be an entry fee for each individual or team which includes: 1) Space with NO electricity (quiet generators only) OR 2) Space WITH electricity provided for a higher entry fee. Each entry fee paid will receive one assigned cooking space and one beef brisket, which will be provided by the Webster County Ag Association. Only the brisket provided will be allowed for the contest. All spaces are first come first served. Each cook-off team is responsible for providing side dishes of their choice to be served to the public. A food source sheet must be turned in at check-in. Only food purchased from a store will be allowed. Participants must furnish their own cookers/grills and fuel source and are responsible for their equipment and area.
     The contest will begin between 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th with registration, explanation and distribution of the beef briskets, after which time preparation and cooking may begin. A mandatory meeting of contestants will be at 8:00 pm. The finished products will be judged at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20th. The Webster Co. Ag Association will be offering prizes for the Beef Brisket BBQ Cook-off Contest. Awards will be determined by the number of entries and sponsors secured, but the winner will receive a new Grill have their name placed on a plaque to be displayed on the wall in the new 4H Exhibit Hall. Cash awards will be distributed in accordance to jackpot type rules.
     The public is invited to participate in the entire day’s activities, including watching and even interacting with the chefs as they prepare their BBQ entry not to mention soaking in the aroma of cooked beef, BBQ and spices. There is a lot more going on that day including: a cooperative venture between all the different denominations of Churches in and around Webster County to hold an All-Faith Church Service starting at 10:30 a.m.; followed at 11:30 a.m. by a Community Potluck (Carry-in) Dinner that is open to anyone who brings food and their own table service (drinks will be provided); At 12:30 there is a Gospel Concert in the open-air auditorium featuring quartets with uplifting music;  then at 3:00 p.m. the 4-Hers will in involved with their Annual 4-H Ice Cream Roll. This is a fun and educational competitive event and there is a good possibility you might get a sample of ice cream of many different flavors. If nothing else you can watch and encourage the 4-H youth as they use a unique method in making their popular dessert delights.  
     The judging of the BBQ entries will start 6:00 p.m. that same early evening. Everyone is welcome to cheer on their team, or favorite “Chef”, as the judges determines which team has the tastiest BBQ entry.  The best part is that there will be a BBQ picnic after the judging featuring the meat that was cooked and judged for the Beef Brisket BBQ Cook-Off Contest - plus the side dishes. Tickets will be sold for the public to purchase a meal for the picnic! Come and enjoy the activities that the whole day will bring! Join in this new venture to kick off the 2014 Webster County Fair with friends, food, fellowship and fun!