Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

BBQ Battle: First Annual Ribfest at McLane Stadium

flickr.com/photos/nicholashenderson
McLane Stadium will host the first annual Brazos River Ribfest

Over the past several years, there’s been somewhat of a Barbeque renaissance in Central Texas - a celebration of all things smoked and grilled.  But for even longer, there’s been the competitive Barbeque circuit – and now it’s coming to Waco. 

After 14 hours of driving from Chicago, Illinois – Ed Latkowski of Howling Coyote BBQ  is setting up his smoker in the parking lot of McLane Stadium.  

“This is our rotisserie smokers, we can cook over a hundred slabs of ribs at a time," Latkowski said. "And they come out delicious...more tender than a mother’s love.”

Latkowski has been traveling the so-called barbeque circuit for 20 years now and is in Texas for the first time. Throughout the country there are many barbeque competitions – from small local affairs to larger festivals like the Ribfest in Lincoln, Nebraska, which draws tens of thousands of attendants each year. Scott Neal, general manager for SMG – the group that’s putting on the event – hopes that the Waco Ribfest can become an annual event and reach the success and fame of others across the country.

"Our goal in this case was not necessarily to showcase Texas barbeque," Neal said, "but to showcase what else is around the country, to give barbeque fans an idea of what else is out there.” 

The three-day event is bringing together 5 barbecue vendors – all of which will compete for prime awards – like people’s choice and critic’s choice. Steve Padula is with Uncle Bub’s BBQ - also from Chicago.  This is his third year in the completive circuit –but he’s been grilling for nearly 20.

"Honestly it’s a lot of fun. I mean, it’s a lot of traveling and even though it’s barbeque, we get to meet new people all the time and share their experience and hear how many people love barbeque throughout the country.”

And here in Texas – there’s definitely a strong love for barbeque. The first annual Ribfest takes place this Friday and continues until Sunday.