A lot of hard work and advance planning go into making an event successful and such is the case for the second annual Malden In May BBQ. Although this is the second year for the event, it will be the first year that it is KCBS (Kansas City Barbeque Society) sanctioned, according to Malden Chamber of Commerce President Dottie Phelps. Malden in May BBQ is one of two major annual events -- the other is fall's Hot Chili/Cool Cars -- sponsored by the chamber.
With the chamber's application approved by the KCBS, Malden in May BBQ will join the ranks of other notable barbecue cook-offs, such as the ones in Kennett, Charleston and Cape Girardeau. But KCBS sanctioning also comes with the responsibility of having KCBS-certified judges -- one for each team entered, as well as experienced judges to serve as team captains, said Phelps.
"Being a judge means you get to eat a lot of good barbecue, meet a lot of great people and have a great time," said Phelps who, along with her daughter Kim Stokes, has been certified and judging barbecue cook-offs for the past year. "Kim and I just love it."
Together, they have had the opportunity to judge in Charleston, Bardwell, Ky., Carbondale, Ill., and Cape Girardeau. Phelps pointed out that just because someone becomes certified doesn't mean they get to judge wherever they want. Judges apply to each contest they are interested in. Judges are not paid and they travel at their own expense, she added.
"We look at it as entertainment. It's a fun thing to do to get out of town," Phelps noted. However, knowing the Malden in May BBQ will need at least 50 judges (25 were needed last year, the cook-off's inaugural event -- and that was before it became a KCBS sanctioned competition), Phelps stated her intention is to use as many local judges as can get certified.
To become certified, persons interested in becoming judges must take a five-hour class and such a class is scheduled in Malden next month.
"Most classes are held far off in places like Kansas City, St. Louis and out of state," said Phelps. "But this is a golden opportunity for those who want to become a judge. A class will be held here at the community center in Malden on Saturday, March 4, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m."
Tony Stone, president of KCBS, will be the instructor. Describing the class, Phelps said six tables will be set up just like they would be for an actual competition. A professional cook will prepare the meat in each of the four categories and, as the students taste the meat, Stone will tell them what to look for and how to score. They will also learn about what is and is not allowed, such as certain garnishes.
Space for the class is limited to approximately 35-40 people and application forms for the KCBS certified barbecue judge training are available at the Malden Chamber of Commerce, 123 W. Main, or can be downloaded from the chamber web site: www.maldenchamber.com. Applications will be accepted until the class is filled.
Cost for the class is $45 for KCBS members and $75 for nonmembers, which includes a one-year KCBS membership and a one-year subscription to "Bullsheet," the organization's newspaper.
As a KCBS sanctioned judge, those certified have the opportunity to judge contests all over the country. Upcoming contests this year, according to "Bullsheet," are being held in Milwaukee, Wis., Lakeland, Fla., St. Louis, Carterville, Ga., Knoxville, Tenn., Arthur, Ill., Marshaltown, Iowa, Albertville, Ala., New Holland, Penn., Waterloo, Iowa, Indianapolis, Ind., Stillwater, Okla., Kansas City, Kan., and, of course, Malden.
Phelps said interest in the Malden in May BBQ is spreading as members of the chamber have been distributing flyers at other contests since last summer. She also appreciated the large attendance at the first official planning meeting for Malden in May a few weeks ago.
"We had 21 people show up. Last year, we were lucky to get three or four," she said. Plans for the May 12 and 13 (yes, the event is already expanding to two days) Malden in May BBQ already include the popular tractor show and arts and crafts booths. Organizers are also considering a homemade ice cream contest. More details will be released as the event nears.
"We're where NASCAR was 20 years ago, regarding barbecue competitions -- you can participate or spectate," noted Chamber Executive Director Bill Hampton.
The focus at this stage in the preparations is to encourage all would-be judges to attend the March 4 judges' training and become certified.
Anyone having questions about the barbecue judges' class can contact Dottie Phelps at 573-276-3456 or 573-276-8483 or by e-mail at: dottie@newwavecomm.net.