Memphis in May 'que contest

It starts today. If anyone is interested in following from afar, here is a blog to read.
http://www.commercialappeal-web.com/mim/

As a casual visitor to the event (twice) I came away disappointed. We have attended a multitude of BBQ competitions and festivals over the years and find that some of the smaller ones...Madison Indiana's RIBBERFEST in August, for example, are much more 'visitor friendly'. Memphis is Like the World Series, If you have tickets to the ballpark, you will have a great time, but if you don't have tickets, standing around outside the ball park isn't much fun after a short time. The smaller festivals often have tasting sessions available for the public and lots of community-fund-raising vendors. Memphis is the big leagues and as such loses a lot of it's connection with the general public. This is not meant to be a put-down of big-time BBQ competition, but a comment on who the target audience is for that sort of event.

Al, you are 100% correct. We used to go about 15 years ago when it was still considered small. Now it is all about corporate sponsorships and BIG bucks. The little guy can't make it there any more. But, it is still interesting to read what goes on even though I won't bother driving the 30 miles to get there.

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen

As a casual visitor to the event (twice) I came away disappointed. We have attended a multitude of BBQ competitions and festivals over the years and find that some of the smaller ones...Madison Indiana's RIBBERFEST in August, for example, are much more 'visitor friendly'. Memphis is Like the World Series, If you have tickets to the ballpark, you will have a great time, but if you don't have tickets, standing around outside the ball park isn't much fun after a short time. The smaller festivals often have tasting sessions available for the public and lots of community-fund-raising vendors. Memphis is the big leagues and as such loses a lot of it's connection with the general public. This is not meant to be a put-down of big-time BBQ competition, but a comment on who the target audience is for that sort of event.

Thanks, Al. I, for one, always value your opinions,

Ditto from me.

Great music though.

I was at the event several years ago. If you like the aroma and seeing the action, it is neat but if you hunger for BBQ, go someplace else.

I enjoyed the color though but I went back to the hotel that has the ducks and had a couple of libations and a burger.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I am sad to hear this. The Food Network made me hungry for BBQ I can't get.