Competitive BBQ Raises Big Bucks for Kids
The smell of barbecue rising from the grills of 41 competing Kansas City Barbecue Society teams drew 12,000 people to Annapolis for Parole Rotary Club’s second annual Naptown barBAYq Contest and Music Festival.
A good time was had by all. The weather was fine. Families ate well and extended their fun with live music on two stages, activities for all ages, arts and crafts vendors and cooking demonstrations. Chefs earned competition points and renown for their slow-cooked chicken, pork, ribs and brisket. Chix, Swine and Bovine returned home to Columbia, Maryland, with the honor of having cooked the Best Barbecue in the State of Maryland, as proclaimed by Gov. Martin O’Malley.
The day was swell, but this festival isn’t done in a day. Its goal is “to assist youth today so they can make a difference tomorrow,” said Don Chomas, festival director. “We do it for the kids.”
Now the money’s been counted: More than $40,000 to support The Pediatric Emergency Inpatient Department at the Anne Arundel Medical Center and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Summer Camp Scholarship Program.
Mark your calendars for the 2013 Naptown barBAYq for the first weekend in May. See winners in all categories at www.barBAYq.com.