Competitors Smoke Emporium

Competitors Smoke Emporium

A smoky cloud filled downtown Emporium putting grins on faces. The third annual All Fired Up Kickin' Ash BBQ Competition held Saturday September 24 packed the vacant lots in Emporium.

Legacy provided music on a make shift stage provided by Mark Ramsey Towing, Nam Knights served beer, and people ate lip smacking good food. Eight competitors from across the state vied for the trophy which replicated a smoker. The names of the competitors as unique as the smokers used to cook the food: Aharrah's Smoke (Smethport), Boy Scout Troop (Emporium) , Beer & Bones (Kersey), Crazy Eyes (Emporium), Rollin Smoke (Slippery Rock), Pa Pa's Smoke Shack (Emporium), Pap Pap Smoke House (Fredonia), and Phartin' Barts (Washington).

The teams competed in 7 categories. Judges representing Cameron County Chamber Members had the daunting task of eating samples. They named Phartin Barts the winner of wings, and ribs. Phartin Barts also won the People Choice Award. Pa Pa's Smoke Shack earned the trophy for pulled pork. The team out of Kersey came out on top. They took top honors in dessert with a smoked cheesecake topped with candied bacon. The side dish made from sausage surrounding a cream cheese stuffed jalapeno tickled the judges taste buds, The team also took top honors in turkey and brisket.

The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce organizes the event held the final Saturday of September each year. Executive Director Tina Solak says planning already in place for 2017. "Three of the neighboring buildings will be gone next year, and it will give expansion room. That will enable more competitors!" The 2017 application will be available in January.