FAYETTEVILLE -- The unmistakable smoky aroma of barbecue filled the Washington County Fair Ground air early Saturday morning as pit masters readied their best meats for the annual state championship, but this year, a few younger participants had their turn on the grills.
Michelle Higgens with Ozark BBQ Alliance coordinated the first Kids Q cook-off at Bikes, Blues & BBQ.
Crime Watch
Friday
• Accidents: One accident was reported inside the Bikes, Blues & BBQ venue area
• Arrests: Seven people for public intoxication, one person for public intoxication and battery, one for possession of drug paraphernalia, one for driving while intoxicated and one for disorderly conduct
• Citations: Four revving citations were issued
• Stolen motorcycles: No motorcycle was reported stolen
Source: Fayetteville Police Department
Kids Q events happen around the county and children can rack up points for a chance to win in one of two age groups: Mini Pit Master for ages 10 and younger and Junior Pit Master for ages 11-15.
Nine-year-old Cooper Wilson of Fayetteville explained how he seasoned and grilled his meat but made sure no one knew what was in the special barbecue sauce he used.
"Just like magicians, we can't give away the secret," Wilson said.
The Kids Q judges give points based on appearance, taste and tenderness. It's a great way for them to take pride in something they made and can present themselves, Higgins said, and they get a trophy at the end.
"These children are the future of cooking," she said.
Two brothers from Carthage, Mo., are leading the way nationally in the Kids Q competition. 13-year-old Brett and 11-year-old Cole Backerman have been participating in BBQ completions since age 5 and 4 respectively.
Their parents, Nicole and Brad Backerman, run Caveman Cuisine. Brett and Cole saw their parents cooking and wanted to join in the fun, they said.
"So they taught and we got good," said Brett, who started competing at age 5. "I like being around fire and cooking stuff. It's just what I've always done
Cole said his favorite part is getting to eat it after they're finished cooking.
For the Backermans and many others this weekend's championship, going to barbecue competitions are a big family outing.
"The barbecue community is more like one big family. Every time you go out, you're with family," Nicole Backerman said.
Seven-year-old Ellie Leighninger was the youngest Kids Q contender. She also comes from a family of chefs and was at the fair grounds with her dad, Brad Leighninger, who is head pitmaster for Gettin' Basted out of Branson, Mo.
Gettin' Basted was the overall reserve champion and and won first in the pork competition as last year's Arkansas BBQ Championship.
"I've got three kids, and that's what we do during the summer -- we drive around and compete. They've been helping out pretty much their whole lives," Brad Leighninger said. "It's fantastic to get the kids involved, and I'm glad to see Bikes, Blues doing that."
More information about Kids Q events can be found at www.ozarksbbqalliance.com.
NW News on 09/30/2018