Spur welcomed visitors and barbecue fans last weekend for its fourth annual Big Dog BBQ Cook-off, a sanctioned event that draws some of the top cooking teams in the Southwest to boost their points total over the season’s finish line.
Two teams out of the 21 that registered fo this year’s event were in the running for national spots, according to head judge Christy Lester Montecillo. While the competition may be all about socializing and sampling for the volunteer tasters, it’s serious buisness for teams who invest a lot of their time, and soul, and sauce into the endeavor.
Groups of tasting judges arrived at the Swenson Park livestock barn in waves for their pre-registered spots, while cookers’ rigs surrounded the barn and softball field area. Steak (an ancillary, nonsanctioned contest) was judged on Friday night, and chicken, pork ribs and brisket on Saturday.
No one needed to leave hungry, and that included the public, who came out to enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs at the pavilion Friday night, courtesy of Matt McArthur and the Spur Area Chamber of Commerce. Lots of edible goodies were also available at Saturday morning’s Farmers’ & Crafters’ market, in addition to craft items, home décor, grooming items—and even baby chicks and lambs to take home.
Spur mayor Louise Jones and Dickens County treasurer Darla Thomason were only two of the cornhole competitors who signed up for Saturday afternoon’s contest in the park. And the rain held off long enough for outdoor fun for all — until showers pelted the livestock barn near the end of the free community dance featuring music by The Fabulous Sandbillies.
Spur’s ready to host again next year, said cook-off organizer Betsy Arnold. Though no solid date has been set, cookers and lookers might pencil in their calendars for Friday and Saturday, June 24–25, 2022.
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