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5th Annual
Smokin' Fourth of July BBQ Shootout
July 3-4, 2009
Durango, Colorado
Click on any image to see a
larger version
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We were more than happy to
revisit Durango, Colorado -- it's beautiful, beautiful
country there, and it was our first opportunity to defend
a Grand Championship as we had won that contest last
year. No pressure, right?
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So, a little
scene-setting. There are a lot of great places to
stay in Durango, but we like the Siesta Motel and their
sense of humor, as well as the warmly attentive owners and
their sweet pugs, Gus and Bogey. |
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I mean, look
at this clematis -- who wouldn't enjoy opening their
motel-room door and seeing that in the morning? |
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I just loved
the look of this old shed down the street. I wish
I'd gotten some shots of the Animas River that runs
through town too, so pretty and fun for kayakers and
rafters. |
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On to the
event! It's held at Buckley Park, with the teams set
up on Main Street right alongside. Friday's
highlight was the 2:00 Wine and Cheese hosted by Jim and
Adrian of Sweet Peppers. |
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Here's
something I'd been looking forward to since last year -- High Country Cookers has a smoker shaped like
an ELK! It even bugles like an elk too, when
unsuspecting passersby step close to admire it. |
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And of course
there has to be a shot of Bear Butt BBQ's grizzly -- and
yes, it roars. You would too if somebody was
stuffing chunks of meat in your backside. |
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Little Weasel
and Dammit had their own version of Independence Day
explosions by working the Mentos in bottles of Diet
Coke. I was a little quick on the trigger, those
fountains went pretty high!
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So many
people came out for the event! There was an
estimated 10,000 in attendance, and all the vending teams
had lines in front of their booths. |
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Rhythm 'n QUE
turned in 3rd Ribs, 1st Pork and 1st Brisket to repeat as Grand
Champion. Have we
mentioned yet that Durango is one of our favorite places? |
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It's not the
Fourth without fireworks, and Durango has one of the best
displays we've been to. Nothing beats wrapping up
the day by relaxing in the park, and seeing the beautiful
bursts over Durango's historic downtown. |
And so our intrepid BBQers
haul off down the trail to the next event.
Jack Watch '09 -- SIX qualifying GCs now and counting! |
