Tag Archive: Autumnfest

  1. Shenandoah Valley BBQ Fest Woodstock, VA

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    By Mark Gibbs, Pitmaster of Checkered Flag 500 BBQ

    Autumnfest is in the books for 2017!  This contest, which is a staple in the MABA schedule kicked it up another notch this year with the addition of harness racing for the weekend.  The team in Woodstock, VA also added in some serious craft beer and craft whiskey tastings to the vending line up this year.  The weather was perfect and it was a great weekend for BBQ!

    Thirty teams came together to compete for a nice prize fund and bragging rights.  Past Autumnfest champion Jay Reeder of 4:20Q brought home top honors in Chicken.  2016 Champion, 3Eyz BBQ with Dan Hixon came across the finish line with a top call in Ribs.  Aporkalypse Now took home top Pork honors and Smack That Butt BBQ won the brisket category.

    Rockin’ Robyn’s BBQ took home the GC this year with 3Eyz BBQ doing a great job defending their title from last year with the RGC.  Pig Pen BBQ earned top honors in the People’s Choice competition for the millionth time at Autumnfest!  Once again they showed some great sportsmanship by donating the proceeds from their win back to the community to feed folks on Thanksgiving!  These guys help make BBQ great for sure.

    We are all looking forward to the 2018 installment of this great competition!

    Full KCBS results here.

  2. Shenandoah Valley BBQ Fest Woodstock, VA

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    by Brian Walrath, MABA Board Member and Pitmaster for Brown Liquor BBQ

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    Luke and Leigh Anne of Sweet Tea Blues along with Rolfe jam out at the afterparty!

    Autumnfest in Woodstock, Virginia is sort of the unofficial last barbecue competition for many in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Because of this, it’s become a tradition that there’s a gathering of teams for a potluck end of the year soiree to close out the season on Saturday night after awards!  This year would be no different, except that we would dedicate this party to celebrate Jerry and Mary Dyer of JD’s Smokin Misfits’ barbecue career!  What began in the early 80s as a way to relax, ended at Woodstock as Jerry and Mary will turn the team over to their daughter Tracy next year.  Oh, they’ll still be around though.  Jerry assured me we’ll still see his smiling face and probably even have some “Jerry Juice” in tow!

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    Team set up on the track in Woodstock with the mountain in the background!

    Woodstock is pretty well known for having some turbulent weather.  Cold temps and wind are the norm.  But, the barbecue gods threw us a softball this weekend, perhaps showing mercy on us for a year of bad winds, snow, rain, and intense heat!  Temperatures were in the high 60s to mid 70s all weekend with just slightly chilly, but comfortable temps at night.

    Jerry Dyer hosts the good luck MABA shot!
    Jerry Dyer hosts the good luck MABA shot!

    The track at Woodstock, a hot bed for harness horse racing, underwent massive improvements and all the teams were back on the track, but much closer to each other, making it nice to visit and chat with friends throughout the weekend.  About a third of the competitors participated in a well run People’s Choice event and the great weather brought out droves of fair goers who enjoyed the many crafters, wineries, and breweries present.  All in all, a great event, and weekend!

    Ok, now for the all important results!

    First place winners:
    Chicken – Team Meat Coma
    Ribs –Sauce This BBQ
    Pork –Sauce This BBQ
    Brisket –Rockin Robyns BBQ

    Grand Champion – 3 Eyz BBQ
    Reserve Grand Champion – Sauce This BBQ

    Check out the full competition results here.