The Texas BBQ Forum

I'm not competitive at all but I'm a science teacher so I am continually curious. Are competitions something that the general public is welcome to attend? I don't want to be a pest but I love seeing other people's takes on how they use heat to make meat tasty. Would I be pleased that I used a precious Saturday or Sunday at a cook-off or would it be a waste of time? I'm generally well-mannered and usually don't smell too bad....

You could be a judge at a IBCA contest

obviously I can't speak for everyone, but we pretty much welcome anyone to come by and talk shop with us. Couple of things to keep in mind though, 1) around seasoning time, some cooks are VERY secretive about their mixes, so don't pry too much or appear to be trying to figure out their special blend, another thing, as teams approach turn in times, it can get a little hectic, so have patience if they get distracted LOL

We welcome folks into our camp all the time. In fact an up an coming team out of Louisiana talked with us for hours at a comp asking questions and listening to answers. We have become good friends with them and by our willingness to share thoughts they are very comfortable at comps now.
As Markw142 mentioned there are times when I or my wife have no time to visit and I will as politely as I can ask guests to step back or leave. Some folks know when its time to back away others not so much.

I welcome people at my camp, love to talk BBQ over a cold one!!


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Always welcome folks to our camp! just remember, on Saturday, from 10 am untill 3pm things are busy so kinda just watch and stay out of the way. Prior to 10 am Saturday, after turnins and especially Friday are great times to visit and most cooks will welcome you.

Judging huh? Sounds like that could be fun!

Yes you should attend a sanctioned event and visit teams and sign up to judge a couple categories, its fun.

What Big Dave said ... I usually use Friday to make my rounds if it doesnt look like there is too much going on in someone's camp.... and Saturday after things are turned in but before awards. There's so much going on when when things are being put on, wrapped, or prepared for turn in that it becomes difficult to be cordial to those standing around. Competition cooking has some of the friendliest people in it's field, however there is a time and a place for it. You just have to respect someone's 30 X 30 spot and what it taking place inside it.

^^^ what RWBTEX said!
Folks are always welcome at our camp also. Most comp cookers are fun guys and pretty polite when it comes down to crunch time, so we aren't much company. Best time to come hang out is right after brisket turn in which is usually 2-3 pm