KELLY TRAN
After 45 years, the tradition of the Taylor International Barbecue Cookoff is still strong. This year’s event will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17, at Murphy Park.
While it is a feat, TIBC board chairman Tim Mikeska said there will not be celebratory plans this year, but in five years when the event hits its 50th.
“One of the greatest things I see since I’m one of the oldest still involved in this event, is seeing the second and third generations of all of these great families who still compete,” Mikeska said. “It’s part of our history in Taylor, and we are very honored to carry that tradition on.”
Along with the usual kids’ grilled cheese and adults’ margarita competitions, attendees can look forward to catching a movie Friday evening at the park’s pavilion, which is set up in collaboration with the city.
Saturday will host the beans, chicken, ribs and Cook’s Choice competitions and the awards announcement, featuring handmade trophies. Cook teams and judge volunteers can sign up on the TIBC website, taylorbbqcookoff. com.
The event is free and open to the public, who can also enjoy additional food and arts-and-crafts vendors and a potential cornhole tournament. A list of official vendors will be released about a week before the event.
“I think everyone’s just looking forward to coming out and having fun,” TIBC board president Ronnie Michna said.
Due to recent rain, the event’s fire prevention plan has been simplified. Cookers will still need to have their generators on non-combustible pads and empty their pits of fuel debris before leaving, and this year, TIBC will provide them with metal cans for the debris.
“I’ve made [the plan] to protect Taylor and surrounding areas because the weather last year was so dry,” Michna said. “And, we’re going to try to keep that going. But it won’t be as hard on us, now that we know what’s going on.”
