by Stephanie West, “The Neck” Pitmaster with 270 SMOKERS

Thirty-one great teams turned out for Que & Cruz in Louisa, VA.  This event, long a staple on the Virginia competitive BBQ circuit, had taken a hiatus for a few years.  This year it returned en force as a fundraiser for the University of Virginia’s Pediatric Kidney Research.

This event is organized by three generations of the Small family and held at their campground just east of Charlottesville.  Although the rain kept the crowds away, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the teams (nor of the bands, playing beachside all day Saturday).  Fittingly, Joe Haynes was on hand to sell & sign copies of his new book “Virginia Barbecue: A History”.

GC:  Big Ugly’s BBQ – MD
RGC:  Old Virginia Smoke

First Place Winners:
Chicken:  Big Ugly’s BBQ – MD

Ribs:  Old Virginia Smoke

Pork:  270 SMOKERS
Brisket:  Big Ugly’s

See full results from Que & Cruz here.