’Que on the Yazoo brought a lot of barbecue teams to Greenwood from across the Mid-South for a little friendly competition this weekend.
Dana Weatherford of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was competing in the Steak Cookoff for the first time.
He decided to enter the contest on the spur of the moment.
“It was convenient for my calendar, and I was actually working in Carthage, Mississippi, so it worked out great,” Weatherford said.
Brantley Snipes, executive director of Main Street Greenwood, which organizes the two-day event, said the turnout was great.
“It’s been a great weekend,” she said Saturday. “It’s warm, but it’s been cool enough at night that I think it’s kept everybody in good spirits.”
Shawna Roppolo and her husband, Bryan, of Shreveport, Louisiana, were part of the RI Cook Team. “RI” stands for Roppolo Insulation. This was the couple’s first time to compete at ’Que. The grilling circuit has been overall a new experience for Shawna.
“He’s been doing it for about three years, me, not over a year yet,” she said.
Christy and Kevin Murphy of Gillett, Arkansas, owners of Murph’s Smoke Shack, were also first-timers at the ’Que.
“We’ve really enjoyed ourselves,” said Christy.
Pork Chop, the couple’s rat terrier-beagle mix, is well-seasoned to the world of competitive grilling and lends his moral support. He also helps to sample some of the food, she said.
“He’s a big ol’ baby.”
The Murphys have been into competitive grilling for the past two years and compete in eight to 12 competitions a year, she said.
Grilling is an enjoyable pastime, Murphy said.
“We get to spend more time with our friends. It’s a family atmosphere,” she said.
Across the way, Kayla Wilson, 2, was standing watch for Budro’s Competition BBQ Team of Brandon.
“We are in our ninth year. This is the first time in Greenwood. We like it,” said Kayla’s father, Bo Wilson.
Among the big winners was a Greenwood team, In Charge Barbecue. In the Patio Division, it took first place for pulled pork and the Grand Champion Award. It also won the People’s Choice competition in which spectators picked their favorite barbecue out of 16 entries.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
