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The Smoke on the Coast barbecue competition is returning to Whangateau Holiday Park on Matariki Weekend, June 24 and 25.
Organiser Derrick Paull says Covid disruptions over recent years haven’t dampened enthusiasm – last year, the event drew 800 people and, if the weather plays ball, he is expecting double this number this month.
An estimated 30 to 40 teams of up to four are expected to compete, including all five of the top teams in the national Jack Daniels Barbecue Alliance Championship.
The teams will be required to cook a variety of meat dishes over a 24-hour period for the competition and the results will be judged by a panel made up of members of the public and experienced judges.
There will also be a children’s competition called Kids on Fire.
The competition will have only one public open day this year (Friday) and organisers have stressed that campground rules mean that the event is strictly off-limits to dogs.
Paull says a number of cooking demonstrations and classes will be held on the Friday.
“The Australian Godfather of Barbecue, Pitmaster Adam Roberts, will run a pork rib demonstration and there will be a steak masterclass and a chicken masterclass.”
The Friday public day is free.
