Memphis in May: BBQ

Memphis in May is an annual festival that includes a bunch of different events. We arrived here just to late last year to participate in any of the festivities, so we had to wait 11 months for our chance!

This weekend is the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest. It's like the Superbowl of Barbecue. We didn't really know what to expect (except mud, because the festival's nickname is Memphis in the Mud), but that didn't stop us from heading down to Tom Lee Park this afternoon. Turns out we arrived just in time for judging.

Let me try and paint the scene for you. The event is held in a mile-long stretch of park along the banks of the Mississippi River. I'm not sure how teams get selected to compete, but I imagine it's a difficult process since there's over $100K in prize money available. I have heard that it costs $3,000 just for a booth space. So you've got hundreds of BBQ booths set up in this park. Each team designs their own booth and some are quite elaborate. They've got smokers (of course), multiple levels of seating, creative decorations, and past trophies on display.

Behold, the gates of BBQ are open!

Main stage

Teams come from all over, even Canada!

It is practically required to have a funny and/or clever team name

General view of the grounds - note that 3 story booth in the background

Regular patrons aren't allowed into the booths. Health codes prohibit the teams from selling their food to event-goers. However, the teams can hold private parties where they basically invite their friends and fans in for a taste. We didn't manage to get invited in anywhere...maybe next year!

When the judges come around, everyone takes it very seriously. Teams hold up signs that say "Shush" or "Quiet y'all!" Apparently BBQ tastes better when there isn't too much noise to distract your tastebuds. All the team members wearing matching t-shirts or outfits. The head cook explains their team's approach and BBQ preparation method. Then the judge samples the food and chats for a bit. When the judge departs from the booth, there is lots of clapping.

A team lines up to await the judge's arrival



Here's a team who sang to their judge, barbershop style

In addition to cash prizes, the winners get big bragging rights and lots of publicity. We didn't stay until the end to find out who won because we'd had enough of sloshing around in the mud. It was still quite the cultural experience!