So You Think You Can Cook Barbecue?

Claremore Reveille Rotary Club is looking for a few good barbecuers to join their ranks at Boots & BBQ, May 11-12, 2012.

If you think you’re better than your average backyard barbecuer, here’s your chance to not only prove it, but “to get your grill on” at the 11th annual Claremore Reveille Rotary Club’s Boots & BBQ Festival. Scheduled for May 11 and 12 at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, east of Claremore, the event’s past winners have gone on to win in other national ­competitions.

“This is no amateur ­performance,” says Richard Mosier, event co-chair. “This event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, and trained certified judges will be determining the winners in each category.” Learn more about KCBS rules and regulations at www.kcbs.us/about.php.

Because of the growing ­reputation of Claremore’s event, more judges than ever before have applied to judge the ­barbecue samples, according to Mosier. However, if your secret barbecue recipe has earned raves from family and friends, don’t let this stop you from entering the competition, which offers $12,000 in cash prizes to the winners. It’s one of the largest KCBS cash purses in Oklahoma.

“Past winners have not always been professionals,” says Mosier, “so don’t let this stop you from entering,” says Mosier. Approximately 45 teams vied for the trophy and cash prizes last year. “We have many returning competitors,” he adds, “because we are consistent. They like us and we like them.”

If you like barbecuing, here’s your chance to see if your recipe and grilling techniques are good enough to capture the grand prize. Categories include beef brisket, pork ribs, pork butt, chicken and dessert. Although entrants are expected to provide their own meat for these ­categories, those who enter the People’s Choice category will have their meat provided. “For those who provide their own meat, all entries will be inspected,” Mosier adds. “They must meet certain standards before being approved for the event.”

Each team may also enter more than one category with one $200 entry fee. The fee includes a space and water, septic and ­electric amenities.

The Rotary Club is also ­currently seeking sponsors for this event. Major sponsors already include the Cherokee Nation, Jack Kissee Ford, Hydro Hoist and RCB Bank. Six different levels of event sponsorships are available, ranging from $250 to $10,000. The top three levels have limited sponsorships, while the bottom three sponsorship levels are unlimited.

Vendor booth spaces for businesses and non-profits are open, subject to approval. “There are limitations on what can be sold,” Mosier says. “We also want to avoid duplication.” Business vendors pay $150, while non-profits, who must also have committee approval, will be charged $40 for their space. “We have other organizations, ­including the Blue Star Mothers,” says Mosier, “who will be participating with a booth.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the Claremore Reveille Rotary’s projects, which include personalized dictionaries for Rogers County third graders, building an elementary school in Kenya, water wells in Nicaragua, shoes for Orphan Souls, the Medical Supply Network, End Polio Now, RYLA Student Sponsors, scholarships for area students, Will Rogers Day Parade and leadership training.

“This is our biggest fundraiser,” says Mosier. “The public can also participate by purchasing a taster’s kit for $6 and sampling all of the entries and then casting a ballot for the best barbecue, which will receive the People’s Choice award.”

A host of other activities, designed to include the entire family, will also be offered ­during the two-day event, ­including pony rides, inflatables, arts and crafts booths, and live entertainment.

For more information, you can go to the club website at www.claremorereveille.com to download a brochure with an entry form, sponsorship form or vendor application.

 

For more information, contact

Claremore Reveille Rotary Club

(918) 342-9544

www.claremorereveille.com