The weekend, affectionately nicknamed as “The Most Magical Weekend in BBQ,” is a heartwarming celebration that aims to raise awareness for the invaluable work of Shriners Hospitals for Children New England. In 2015, the Kora Kares for Kids event was born out of a collaborative effort between Nicole and Chad Humphrey of Humphrey’s Smokers and Karen and Brent Tangway of Kora Shriners. Their vision was not just to organize a singular event but to create a lasting annual tradition that would not only unite the community but also shed light on the dedicated efforts of the hospitals in supporting children’s medical needs through the universal language of BBQ. From its humble beginnings with only seven teams gathering at a small airfield in Turner, Maine, the event has now flourished into a significant gathering of 50 teams, showcasing how a small idea can blossom into a cherished community affair.
The festivities commenced on Friday evening with a spirited parade featuring the Kora Shiners, winding their way from Sacopee High School to the picturesque Ossipee Valley Fairgrounds. Embracing the welcoming spirit of the occasion, attendees were treated to a delightful ice cream social and vibrant live entertainment, setting a joyous tone for the weekend ahead.
Saturday dawned with an uplifting opening ceremony, where Shriners Hospital patients shared heartfelt testimonials that resonated deeply with all present, emphasizing the profound impact of the hospitals’ compassionate care. This ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the collective bond that unites the BBQ community. Following this touching start, a colorful procession of motorcycles and ATV’s embarked on a scenic journey through Western Maine, offering participants a chance to appreciate the beauty of the landscape while supporting a noble cause. Meanwhile, onlookers were treated to an exhilarating tractor pull, delectable food offerings, and lively musical performances, ensuring that there was something enjoyable for everyone to partake in during this festive weekend celebration.
Kids Q
On Saturday, the event lineup included the exciting Kids Q competition as well as the engaging People’s Choice events. The Kids Q event, featuring 22 talented teams, was particularly heartwarming as 8 of these teams consisted of brave Shriner Hospital patients. These young chefs embraced the challenge with creativity, showcasing their culinary skills by preparing their own twist on Maine “red snappers” ranging from hot dogs in a pancake to inventive hot dog tacos.
Amidst this array of imaginative creations, it was the corn dog crafted by Double Trouble that captured the judges’ attention. Charlotte (8) and Maddie (6), the exceptional pitmasters from Hingham, MA, delighted both the eyes and taste buds with their adorable and delicious corn dogs. Revealing their winning strategy, the duo attributed their success to the clever addition of “googly eyes” and a unique ingredient – “mashed up tatter tots.” The event marked Double Trouble’s debut in the competition world, hinting at a promising journey ahead for the talented young chefs.
Among the standout performers at this event was Team Liam BBQ, under the guidance of LG BBQ, who distinguished themselves as the top-scoring Shriner patient. Their outstanding performance not only showcased their skill but also earned them a well-deserved reward in the form of a Humphrey’s smoker. This particular Humphrey’s Saturday smoker was a generous gift from Patrick Trainor and his brother John, known as the Silver City BBQ Boys. It is worth noting that Patrick himself is a Shiner patient, adding an extra layer of significance to the donation. Additionally, Flame Boss contributed to the prize by including a pit fan controller to complement the smoker. The entire occasion was a heartwarming and inspiring experience, thanks to the dedication and guidance of these young chefs and their mentors, who infused the day with a sense of camaraderie and culinary brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.
KCBS One Meat – Ribs
The KCBS One Meat Ribs competition featured 35 talented teams vying for glory, with the top spot ultimately claimed by 16 Mesh BBQ hailing from Whitman, Massachusetts. What set them apart was their remarkable achievement of scoring a flawless 180 points, a feat that left pitmasters Dan & Kristen Kimball pleasantly surprised. The duo shared that their winning recipe was actually born out of a spur-of-the-moment decision, which ended up working wonders in their favor.
Meanwhile, the BBQ Rib Auction orchestrated by Chad & Nicole Humphrey once again stole the show, serving as a powerful fundraiser for the Kora Shriners. Amongst the night’s highlights was the Highest Bidder award, proudly clinched by Geoff Mullen who generously contributed $501 to secure a batch of mouthwatering 5th place ribs prepared by the talented Smoke Sisters, namely the dynamic duo of Starla (14) and Sabrina (14).
The rib auction alone collected over $6,000 in donations for the Kora Shriners. This heartwarming display of support not only echoed the spirit of community but also highlighted the tremendous impact that food and fellowship can have in coming together for a good cause.
KCBS Masters
Sunday was the day of the highly anticipated KCBS Master’s Series barbecue competition, with a total of 39 teams vying for top honors at this prestigious event. The excitement was palpable as teams from as far north as Canada and as far south as Maryland gathered to showcase their skills and compete in various categories.
ELJEFE SMOKE once again proved their barbecue mastery by achieving a perfect score of 180, marking their third 1st place win in the chicken category for the year 2024. Not to be outdone, Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ and Cider Boys BBQ secured the 2nd and 3rd place positions, respectively, showcasing their dedication and talent in the competition.
In the pork ribs category, Eoin Lynch of Paddy McQ’s emerged victorious with a stellar score of 178.8572, clinching the coveted 1st place title. The competition was fierce, with Smokin’ Hoggz and 16 Mesh BBQ closely following in 2nd and 3rd place, underscoring the high level of skill and technique displayed by all participants.
The pork category delivered a jaw-dropping conclusion, with the top three teams all earning perfect scores of 180. Q Shanty(1st), Chunky BBQ(2nd), and Fire at the End of the Day(3rd) showcased exceptional flavors and execution, dazzling the judges with their impressive performances.
As is often the case in barbecue competitions, the brisket category proved to be a deciding factor for many teams. Fire at the End of the Day, known as FATED, clinched the 1st place position with a commendable score of 177.7144, demonstrating their expertise and precision in this challenging category.
Ultimately, it was Fire at the End of the Day who emerged as the Grand Champion, securing an impressive overall score of 693.6688. The title of Reserve Grand Champion was awarded to the renowned Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ, whose outstanding performance earned them a total score of 690.2516, this is their 4th RGC for 2024 season, reaffirming their status as one of the top competitors in the field.
For the complete and official results visit, Kansas City Barbecue Society.
