1st Annual Jasper County Sheriff’s Association BBQ Cookoff is a Success

Cooking Teams from around the region gathered at the Jasper County Junior Livestock Complex for the Jasper County Sherriff’s Association's First Annual BBQ Cookoff on Saturday.

The event had a dual purpose – to support the Blue Santa Program, dedicated to bringing joy to underprivileged children during the holiday season, and to fund the Sheriff's Scholarship Program

The festivities began on Friday evening with the Margarita Mix Off and Chef's Choice competitions. Rules stating that all entries must be prepared on site, the contestants donned their aprons and began to work their magic.

Jasper Quality Meats won the Margarita Mix off as well as the Chef's Choice category with a beautifully seared Prime Rib garnished with a delicious Crab & Butter Sauce and a scrumptious side of corn dip.

Now, moving onto the main event, contestants fired up their smokers and grills and worked late into the night perfecting their recipes and preparing to wow the judges on Saturday. As the day started out, vendors lined the area offering goods for shoppers, there were inflatable slides and a bucking bull providing ample fun for the children. Also, for the car enthusiast, there was a car show, displaying an array of vehicles.

As the day drew to a close, first place winners were chosen for each of the following categories:

• BEANS – Jasper Quality Meats

• CHICKEN – Jasper Quality Meats

• RIBS - Newton Go Texan

• BRISKET – Double B BBQ

• RESERVE GRAND – Stumpy’s BBQ

• GRAND CHAMPION – All Joe’s

Winners were given cash prizes as well as metal plaques for display, but in the end it was the spirit of community and charity that truly showed up at the First Annual BBQ Cookoff hosted by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Association.