On October 10, young gunslingers in the barbecue arena will saddle up their grills and fire up a competition to remember. The Future Legends of BBQ is coming to Henderson County, a full-throttle challenge filled to the brim with ribs, brisket and any other part perfectly suited to the pit. The rub? All competitors must be well under drinking age. Children from the ages of seven-17 will compete for the title of the Future Legend of BBQ, and the competition should be hot and spicy.
The proceeds of the event will go to benefit the Henderson County Young Leaders Program (HCYLP), a non-profit group that partners with the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County to provide camp scholarships for children that might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Paige Hafner, program director of the HCYLP, says she has found that many kids love to cook, as well as compete in a fun and supportive environment. “It’s the first of its kind in terms of a barbeque competition for inexperienced competitors,” she says. “We are looking to cultivate [interest within] children that have never done this before.”
On hand to judge the competition will be a whole slew of ‘cue gurus, including the renowned Mike Mills, who has been honored numerous times at the Memphis in May International Festival. The Future Legends event, by the way, is officially sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.
Following the judging, a good old-fashioned Barbecue Ball will take place, featuring square dancing, plenty of fun times for the kids and — wouldn’t you know it — a great big mess of barbecue.
The competition, at Camp Greystone in Flat Rock, begins at 10am on October 10. For more information, visit www.hubbahubbasmokehouse.com.