Burnet VFW BBQ cook-off turns up the heat
Highland Lakes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6974 in Burnet hosts a state-sanctioned barbecue cook-off Friday-Saturday, Aug. 15-16. The event is a way for the post to let off a little steam after its intense flood relief efforts.
The Stars & Stripes cook-off promises thousands of dollars in prizes, great food, and good times at the post, 1402 W. Buchanan Drive.
The competition is sanctioned by the Outlaw BBQ Association, meaning things could get heated, but anyone and everyone is welcome to participate in the brisket, chicken, and ribs contests for $150 and the beans and dessert contests for $25. There are also contests for the best grilled cheese sandwich or Bloody Mary drink for a $25 buy-in and a cornhole competition.
“We encourage the public to show up and cook,” said VFW Post Commander Sean Jones in an interview with KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune host Mac McClennahan. “You’d be surprised at the quality of what can come off a good Weber grill.”
Competitors must register by emailing veterans@vfwpost6974.org. A cooks’ meeting is at 7 p.m. Friday.
“One of the great fun things is walking around Friday night with everybody’s pits going, talking among the teams, getting some free bites. It’s a lot of fun,” Jones said.
The competition judging schedule is:
- Grilled cheese—8 p.m. Friday
- Bloody Mary—10 a.m. Saturday
- Beans—11 a.m. Saturday
- Chicken—noon Saturday
- Ribs—1 p.m Saturday
- Brisket—2 p.m. Saturday
- Dessert—3 p.m. Saturday
The Burnet VFW played a critical role in the aftermath of the Fourth of July weekend flood, serving thousands of meals to those in need, volunteers, and first responders. The post was also a donation hub and a base of operations for volunteers helping to rebuild the community.