From July 29 to 31, the Canadian National BBQ Championships return to Whistler for the 10th straight year. As the highlight of the Pacific Northwest’s competitive BBQ circuit, the National BBQ Championships attract competitors from all over the world to battle it out for cash, prizes, and entry into both the American Royal World Championships in Kansas City and the Jack Daniel’s World Championship BBQ event in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

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[Flickr photo credit: Bensane]
 
“The BBQ Championships have become a staple summer event in Whistler,” according to Joshua Kearns, Dusty’s Bar & BBQ Manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “This is the 10th year in a row Dusty’s has hosted the event and every year it just gets bigger, better and tastier. With great food, great music and lots to see and do, it’s a great way to spend the B.C. Day long weekend.”
 
The BBQ fires up on Friday with a Whole Hog BBQ Demonstration from BBQ champion Jim Ericson. The demonstration is free and registration is not required. After learning the 24 hour process of cooking a whole hog, guests can sample the BBQ fare at Saturday’s Whole Hog Feed dinner for only $15. Tickets are available at Dusty’s. This popular event sells out every year, so advanced tickets are is recommended. To cap off the evening, Dusty’s presents Whole Lotta Led, a Led Zeppelin tribute band who will hit the stage at 9 p.m.

Saturday is Local’s BBQ Day where both residents and visitors can compete for chance to win over $2,000 in cash and prizes. The Backyard BBQ Burger Competition (presented by Bull’s-Eye BBQ Sauce) takes place at 1 p.m. The winning burger will also earn the honour of being featured on the Dusty’s Bar & BBQ menu for a year.

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[Flickr photo credit: Bensane]

The King of the Grill competition will take place at 3 p.m., requiring contestants to submit their best grilled or smoked item cooked on-site to the judges. To qualify, each dish must consist of a meat or vegetable (or combination of the two). The C.A.S.I International Chili Championship also takes place on Saturday with turn-in at 2 p.m. The day will be rounded out by local music legend Guitar Doug in the afternoon and The Matinée at 10 p.m.
 
Sunday is the main event. In addition to over $5,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, the title of “Canadian Champion” and an invitation to the World Championships in Lynchburg, Tennessee are also on the line.
 
Competitors will compete in four traditional categories: Pork Butt, Beef Brisket, Chicken and Ribs. Pacific Northwest BBQ Association (P.N.W.B.A) judges will score all entries with 25% on appearance, 25% on texture/tenderness and 50% on taste.

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[Flickr photo credit: Bensane]
 
A 5th and non-traditional category has also been added to Sunday’s festivities: The Pork & Cork. For the 4th year straight, contestants will be judged on their abilities to match BBQ pulled pork with Ravenswood’s legendary Zinfandel.
 
For a $5 donation to charity, spectators will gain entry to Dusty’s for priority sampling of the goods.
 
For more information on accommodation packages, the Canadian National BBQ Championships and other news, visit the Whistler Blackcomb website.

Except where noted, all images courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb.

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