Despite the threat of rain, many hungry people took to the fields of The Farm last Saturday for the 2nd annual BBQ Festival, a significant event that directly benefits the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro.
John Padjen, owner, chef, and operator of Dough Daddy Dough, chaired this event with co-chairs Jennifer Philips and Bill Graden, hoping to raise $50,000 for the Boys and Girls Club while providing the local community an opportunity to meet vendors and visit a great place to enjoy. The pre-party, sponsored by Padjen and Oconee Brewing, attracted approximately 210 people to the brewery Friday night.
Vendors and food trucks, plus many and varied local vendors and crafts, were on display, too, with music by Tim Cardiere and his band and a classic car show of beautiful Corvettes. A 50/50 raffle of $500 was won by Grayson and his mother, Laren Sims.
For the BBQ contest on Saturday, entries of BBQ ribs were received between 2:15 and 2:30 p.m., with judging by licensed judges from the Georgia Barbecue Association (GBA) taking place soon after.
GBA lead representative Greg Hoyt and Assistant Rep. Scott McDaniel were in charge of the contest, and several Master Judges were on the panel. The four main points in judging are flavor, overall impression, tenderness, and appearance. “It is all about the taste,” one judge declared.
The results were announced at 4 p.m., with Matt Goodman from Potts BBQ taking first place. His prize was a Traeger Professional Smoker Grill valued at $950, donated by ACE Hardware. Jay and Julie Roach of Roach’s Q took second place.
The festival organizers and The Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club are deeply grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and supporters. Your contributions have made a significant difference, and we look forward to another successful BBQ Fest next year.