Cook-Off expected to draw big crowd
By Kathy Thomson
The fifth annual Fort Griffin BBQ Battle for the Blade and World Championship Dove Cook-Off is set to take place at Fort Griffin State Historic Site next Saturday, Sept. 28, and organizers are hoping that a large crowd of cooks and attendees will help them raise funds for the historic calvary fort while enjoying a great day of barbecue and fun.
“We are really hoping to have a lot of local support for this year’s event so even if they aren’t entering a team, we still encourage all of Albany to come out to the fort that day,” said barbecue representative Justin Winters. “Bring the family and enjoy the day learning more about our history, judging barbecue, and listening to some live music. There will be a bounce house obstacle course for the kids, helicopter tours over the historical sites, and a star gazing party that night.”
Fort Griffin is located around 14 miles north of Albany on Highway 283.
Teams can register for the cook-off by contacting Ramby Anderson at King & Robertson Insurance Agency in Albany. Registrations will also be accepted at the event.
Entry fees for the fifth annual cook-off are $200 per team for the three meats (brisket, pork spare ribs, and chicken), and $30 per bonus event (steak and dove).
All-day $10 passes will be available for the general public for those age 12 and over. Under 12 will be admitted at no charge. Coolers will be allowed for a $10 fee, but no alcohol is permitted.
“All money raised at the gate will go directly to Fort Griffin State Historic Site’s budget to expedite additions and renovations to their amazing campgrounds,” said Winters. “That could include things such as additional campsites, non-campsite river access, lodging, and improvements and/or expansion to current walking trails. It can also include anything else that the fort’s management team thinks could make for an even better overall experience for all future visitors to the campgrounds.”
Friday’s Schedule
Cooks can begin setting up at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
“Parking will be first come first serve,” said Winters. “Cooks should plan on a narrower and longer spot this year for their set up. The spots will be approximately 15 feet wide and up to 70 feet long.”
Only one vehicle per team will be allowed in the spot.
The cooks meeting and tray pickup will be at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.
“That way locals can still make it to the homecoming game that evening,” Winters said. “The campgrounds are open, but last time I checked, I believe there were only tent sites available.”
For information about campsite reservations, contact Fort Griffin at 325-762-3592.
Saturday’s Schedule
Live music is planned to start at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m.
Among those scheduled to perform are Kyle Fambro, The Highway Sisters, the Colton Rice Band, and Justin Biltonen of 3Doors Down.
Radio station 95.9 FM The Ranch out of Fort Worth will be broadcasting live from Fort Griffin on Saturday afternoon. The station broadcasts on 95.9 FM and can be found online at 959theranch.com.
All of the judging will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, starting with the steak at 11:00 a.m. Chicken turn-in is set for 12:00 noon, pork spareribs at 1:30 p.m., brisket at 3:00 p.m. dove at 4:30 p.m.
“We will be using volunteers for judging again this year,” said Winters. “Zach Maberry has the sign-up sheet at First National Bank. Those on the sign-up sheet will get a judging wrist band, which gets them into the event for free.”
The awards will be presented at 7:00 p.m.
“We have huge guaranteed payouts this year, which puts us in the top five payouts for the International Barbeque Cookers Association contests this year,” said Winters. “We have $15,500 guaranteed in the three main meats, and another $3,000 in the bonus categories.”
The top team will also be awarded the Blade of Fort Griffin, which was once again hand-forged by Albany’s Mike Whitmore.
The headlining artist’s performance will follow the awards ceremony.
Registration
Entry forms are available from Anderson at King & Robertson Insurance Agency or can be downloaded from the event’s website. However, teams will turn in a paper copy of their registration this year instead of registering online.
“We want to encourage local teams to sign up for the cook-off,” said Winters. “We also encourage locals to invite everyone they know to come and enjoy a day filled with fun, food, history, and the very popular and incredible Fort Griffin Stargazing Party that Saturday night, as we continue our efforts to deepen the appreciation of this area’s past with future generations and keep the roots alive and strong. It is going to be a great time and we hope to see everyone out there!”
Those with questions can contact Winters at 325-668-8241.
