The Bass and BBQ Festival presented by KSSN-FM took place in conjunction with the Forrest Wood Cup in Hot Springs, Ark. The two-day competition was sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society (KCBS), which boasts more than 19,000 members worldwide and is the largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts.

Thirty official judges were on hand to judge the four meat categories: chicken, pork, ribs and brisket. Judges rated the meat on appearance, taste and tenderness on a scale from nine (excellent) to 2 (inedible). There was also an FLW fan vote for the Fisherman’s Favorite award in the pulled pork and ribs categories. A Grand Champion was decided based on the average from all four meat categories.

Nineteen teams from all around the nation hauled their grills, smokers and other BBQ accessories to compete. Toby Shea, one of the premier British competitive cookers, even made the trip across the pond to compete. Teams consisted of a chief cook and as many assistants as deemed necessary.

A total of $10,000 in prize money was up for grabs. Each day’s competition was judged separately and paid out five places, with the Grand Champion taking home $1,000.

Results

Day 1

1st: Gettin’ Blasted

2nd: Shake and Bake BBQ

Day 2

1st: Hog tied BBQ

2nd: Gettin’ Blasted

Fisherman’s Favorite

Pulled Pork: 501 BBQ

Ribs: Gettin’ Basted

Radio remotes were on site with KSSN – 96 on day one and KMJX – 105.1 the following day. Three country artists also performed at the event, including Shari Bales and Southbound, Luke Williams Band, and Samantha Feathers.