Actually competitive BBQ in New York has really taken off over the last couple of years.
In chronological order for this year....
Smoke n' Steam - Oyster Bay, Long Island, MAY 10, 2008 (http://www.lirr35.org/dates.htm)
Grillin' On The Bay - Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, June 7, 2008 (http://grillinonthebay.org)
I Love BBQ Festival - Lake Placid, NY, July 4, 2008 (http://www.ilbbqf.com)
Troy Pig Out, Troy NY, July 18, 2008
Hudson Valley Ribfest, New Paltz, August 15, 2008 (http://www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org)
Oinktoberfest, Clarence, NY, Sept. 26, 2008 (http://www.oinktoberfest.com/)
Battle of the BBQ Brethren, Sayville, NY, Oct 25,08(http://www.greatersayvillechamber.com/events.htm)
And there's the events that are just for fun.