Memphis' new barbecue contest gets a name, plus more details revealed about event
Memphis’ newest barbecue cooking contest has a name: “SmokeSlam: The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown."
"The new name draws on the importance of smoke to the quintessential flavor and aroma of BBQ and the heritage of hard-fought competition between teams," contest organizers Forward Momentum said in a statement.
The contest is set for May 16-18 at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis. It will be held the same weekend as the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which has moved to Liberty Park.
The new contest, which was announced in November, is being produced by Forward Momentum — the group behind the Mempho Music Festival and Mempho Presents.
Memphis BBQ Network partners with the new contest
The event also officially announced it has partnered with the Memphis BBQ Network (MBN) to run the judging for the competition.
"We believe this partnership will allow us to continue our mission of promoting and preserving the unique Memphis style of BBQ," Memphis BBQ Network said in a social media post. "We look forward to supporting Forward Momentum as they work to create a total fan experience where Memphis style Barbecue will take center stage."
A World Food Championship event
Melzie Wilson, a lifelong supporter of competition barbecue and respected community leader with 20-plus years in the sport, has joined the SmokeSlam steering committee to help organize the event.
Wilson said teams can compete in all three major categories, and categories winners will be eligible for a "Golden Ticket" to compete in the World Food Championship in the fall.
Judging will be blind and on-site for the preliminaries, she said.
“I have invested many years of my life into the barbecue world, and I’m excited to see a multi-sanctioned barbeque competition, combined with an expanded fan experience, come to our city,” Wilson said. “The name, ‘SmokeSlam,’ perfectly captures the essence of BBQ and the intensity of competition, which is what this event is all about. I have no doubt it will attract Memphians from all walks of life and visitors from all parts of the U.S. to downtown Memphis.”
Carey Bringle, pit master of Peg Leg Porker restaurant in Nashville and competition team of the same name, and Central BBQ founder Craig Blondis are also on the inaugural steering committee.
The largest purse in pork barbecue competition history
The event carries a purse of $250,000, the largest in pork barbecue competition history, according to Forward Momentum's news release.
Categories will include Whole Hog, Ribs and Pulled Pork, with prizes awarded across five places per category, totaling $150,000 in prize money.
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Seven categories of Dessert, Bacon, Duck, Poultry, Beef, Seafood and Wings have been added, with a total prize of $40,000 across five places, sanctioned by the World Food Championship, and each winner in these categories will also get a golden ticket to the World Food Championship.
The grand prize in the MBN Pork competition will be $50,000 for the winning team. Small prizes to the value of $10,000 will also be awarded.
How to participate in SmokeSlam
Application registration will be open online the week of Jan. 15. Space will be limited to ensure the quality of competition and the best use of the venue space for a high-quality fan experience.
“The steering committee will make the final selection of teams. We want to make sure that we have the best mix of competitors and that we design the space to take advantage of the amazing venue," Wilson said. "Team booths will be available in Tom Lee Park on the river, and for those who prefer street access, there will be booths available on Riverside Drive. The cost will range from $2,000 for a basic space to $3,500 for a larger booth, including entrance fees, some electrical access, and ablutions."
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More than just a cooking contest
SmokeSlam's stated mission is “to produce an inclusive event that enhances the rich tradition of barbecue in Memphis, the unique river setting, and the city’s musical heritage.”
"Our event is called a festival because we aim to attract barbecue fans, but also families, music lovers and young people from Memphis and beyond,” says Mike Smith from Forward Momentum.
The festival will include a carnival with a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and games; a central marketplace, which will be a partnership with local businesses where fans can buy merchandise and other goods; and an interactive element where fans will be able to sample food and participate in fun food-related events.
"True to our heritage in organizing large fan-based experiences, SmokeSlam will have live music on all three nights, catering to a range of musical tastes, with both local and national talent performing," Smith said. "There will be something for everyone, with the barbecue competition at the core of the event."
For more information, teams can contact Forward Momentum at BBQ@MemphoPresents.com or at https://bbqfest.wufoo.com/forms/bbq-competition-entry-form/.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: New Memphis barbecue contest announces name, competition details
