Hot air balloon rides and smokin’ BBQ at Arkansas competition Special

Springdale – The inaugural Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship kicked-off with numerous events for families and significant prize money awaiting winning cook teams.

Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas is the site for the first Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship being held Aug. 27-28. The Springdale Chamber of Commerce and Smoke on the Water Productions are presenting “one of the largest contests in the state.” According to a press release, “With $20,000 at stake, visitors to Kingsford’s Arkansas Barbecue Championship are guaranteed delighted taste buds and full stomachs. With the world’s greatest barbecue wizards putting their all into being the best of the best, there’ll be no shortage of top quality barbecue on tap.” Cook team registration took place during the day on Aug. 27 with gates open to the public at 5:00 p.m.

Kay Mathews

BBQ cook teams set-up the tools of their trade. Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship. Springdale, Ark. August 27, 2010.

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Kay Mathews

A BBQ cook team prepares dinner. Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship. Springdale, Ark. August 27, 2010.

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Children enjoyed the carnival and large inflatables, but it was the hot air balloon tethered rides that caught the attention of many.

Kay Mathews

A line formed to take a hot air balloon tethered ride. Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship. Springdale, Ark. August 27, 2010.

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Kay Mathews

A family prepares to embark on a tethered hot air balloon ride. Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship. Springdale, Ark. August 27, 2010.

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Kay Mathews

Burner's flame inside hot air balloon. Northwest Arkansas State Barbecue Championship. Springdale, Ark. August 27, 2010.

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The cooking competition and judging occurs on Aug. 28. The four categories are chicken, ribs, brisket and pork butt with the grand champion receiving $3,500 in prize money. A champion sauce winner will also be announced. As event organizers note, “The Arkansas Barbecue Championship is more than just a treat to your tongue. It’s also ground zero for entertainment galore.” The hot air balloon rides and carnival continue on Aug. 28, along with musicial performances by the groups Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, and PG-13.