Victory BrewBQ, Parkesburg, PA

by Craigie Mack Rudzenski, Pitmaster of Craigie Mack’s BBQ Shack

On Saturday, July 30^th, Victory Brewing Company held their 8^th Annual BrewBQ.  The event was held at the Victory Brewing Company’s Parkesburg, PA location.  While this event has been going on for years, this was the first time being held at this location.  Upon arrival, Victory Brewing Company representative Amanda Giangiulio, and her team were directing competitors to their spots in the parking lot of the Brewery.

This is a one day, chicken and ribs contest that provides fun for the whole family.  Upon arrival, teams were surprised to see…well…not much set up.   The most recent weather reports that morning were calling for severe lightning storms later on during the day, therefore the outdoor beer garden, live music, kids area, variety of restaurants and vendors as well as games were all moved inside the Victory Brewing Company Brew Pub.

Competitors fired up the smokers and grills, prepped their meats, got them going and then the rains came.   After some heavy winds and steady downpours, the rains finally let up, the ‘que was turned in  (during  a light drizzle, and up a flight of outdoor, metal stairs….talk about a nerve racking turn in!)  the public was able to venture outside, enjoy some brews and visit and chat with all 27 teams in attendance.

Awards were announced inside the Brew Pub,  and in the end, team “Here Come the Judge” took first place chicken.  “Little Skips BBQ” won first place ribs.  However, it was “Brandywine Smokers” who took Grand Champion (9^th place chicken and 2^nd place ribs), with Shaker City BBQ Taking the RGC (8^th place chicken and 3^rd Place ribs).  Despite the weather, the Brew Pub was phenomenal,  the crew at the Victory Brewing Company went above and beyond in assisting the teams and everyone is already looking forward to next year!