MIM BBQ Festival- Saturday

Saturday was when judging occurs and the final day of the festival.  Clayton and I decided to go early and stay for just a few hours.  My niece, Mary, was spending the night with us.  Last year was her first time at BBQ Fest when it took place at the Fairgrounds due to the Mississippi River flooding so she was excited to go since it's back in Tom Lee Park.


We picked her up from a slumber party and took her to get a haircut then headed to the festival.

When we arrived at our tent, the judges were there.  So we walked around and down to Mary's dad's tent.

We saw many fun tents on our walk.  Each year there is an honored country, which I'm not sure the history behind this, but this year was the Philippines.  Many teams decorate their tents accordingly.      

 
 I like the reclaimed wood this hog mount is on.  

 We made it back to our tent to enjoy some relaxation and pork shoulder.

But as we were eating we got word that we had placed Top 3 in our division: shoulder.  (Other main divisions are whole hog, ribs, and patio porkers- small backyard grills).  This is HUGE!  This is the WORLD BBQ Championship.  This meant the judges would be coming back so the craziness ensued as everyone prepared for the judges' return.

One last team pep rally.

 
Then time for the judges.

Clayton had no intentions of impressing the judges.
  Her Da bought a $10 umbrella to shade her while the judges were in our tent.

 
After the judges left, we hung around for a bit.

But Mary, Clayton, and myself were worn out by the heat and there was no way we would make the awards ceremony that evening so we headed home.

Everyone continued celebrating until the awards ceremony and after when it was announced we won 2nd place!

(Photo by Lance Murphey/Memphis in May)

 
(Photo by Lance Murphey/Memphis in May)

 

Congrats to The People's Republic of Swina for a wonderful year at MIM!  Many thanks to everyone who spent countless hours to make it a memorable event for all!