Fire Up A July 4th Barbecue Cook Off

Test your neighbor's BBQ skills this 4th of July

Ask any neighbor who considers the grill their domain, and they will likely claim their barbecued ribs, chicken, and other meats to be the world’s best. If you poll more than one backyard chef, a clashing of tongs could erupt. To put the boasts to the test, celebrate the holiday with a barbecue cook off, complete with music, games, and fireworks.

People get serious about their barbecue, so here is a guide that will keep the judging fair and the face-off on the street all in fun. It is a good idea to pick two divisions in which contestants can compete, such as chicken and ribs, so they can show off their skills at the grill.

Cook Off Countdown and Guidelines

Early to Mid-June: Develop a committee system that will help spread the work load across the participants.

Planning Committee Responsibilities:

• Contact the city for a permit to cordon off a section of the street for setting up grills and tables. Each family will be responsible for their grill and work stations, including cooking equipment, coolers, lawn chairs, umbrellas, etc. Although cooks are not required to grill on site, keep in mind that watching the grill masters is part of the fun!
• Send emails and call committee members and neighbors for last- minute reminders and confirmations.
• Secure tables for serving food, as well as one or two additional long tables for seating judges.
• Make up and print out judging forms. Recipes can be judged according to taste, texture, aroma, and overall appeal, using a scoring system for each category of those categories from 10 (Is this the best you ever had?) to 1 ( I would not feed this to anyone.). Judges will need forms to judge each contestant’s chosen divisions.

Food Committee Responsibilities

• Work with neighbors to make sure there will a variety of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Each family should plan on bringing 2 or 3 items other than the barbecue entry, as well as be responsible for their own coolers of ice and beverages.

Decorations Committee Responsibilities

• Set the patriotic stage for the cook off, secure tablecloths and centerpieces, and round up paper goods including sturdy paper plates and utensils, napkins, and drinking cups. Each family will be responsible for their own 4th of July yard art.

Set-up Committee Responsibilities

• Move grills and other necessary equipment to the barbeque area and set up tables, then help return it.

Clean-up Committee Responsibilites

• Do garbage and recycling detail during and after the event. Committee members need to have containers and garbage bags on hand and empty them as needed. Make sure every station has plenty of garbage bags and the eating area is well stocked with paper towels for all of those sticky fingers.

Music and Entertainment Committee Responsibilites:

• Provide live or recorded music and equipment.

Games Committee Responsibilites: Plan games and other activities, such as:

• 4th of July parade, and notify party goers ahead of time to wear patriotic attire and bring musical instruments.
• Fill kiddie pools with water for small children to play in. Fill one with sand and toys.
• Organize (and provide equipment for) outdoor games, such as races, volleyball, croquet, bocce ball.

Photography Committee Responsibilities

• Record the day’s activities and post photos where all can share access. Prior to the event, set up a Web-based photo sharing site to easily upload the photos and access them immediately.
• For a child’s perspective, hand out disposable cameras to children and let them take their own photographs. Collect the cameras at the end of the event, and make copies of the photos for all participating families.