CALLING ALL PITMASTERS & BBQ TEAMS!
The heat is on at the Franklin County Fall Festival NEBS Classic! Think your BBQ reigns supreme? It is time to fire up your smokers, pack your gear, and prove it on the competition floor.
Whether you are chasing NEBS Team of the Year points or looking to win over the local crowd, this is the showdown you cannot miss.
THE BATTLEGROUND: CATEGORIES
Show the judges your mastery across three classic categories (NEBS Standard Garnish) plus a massive crowd-favorite showdown:
- CHICKEN: Whole or parts. Wild, farm-raised, Cornish game hen, or Kosher.
- RIBS: Pork ribs only (Loin back, baby back, spare, or St. Louis style).
- STEAK TIPS: Pure sirloin tips. No pre-marinating or pre-seasoning allowed!
- PEOPLE’S CHOICE (WINGS): Cut into drumettes and wingettes. Serve ~100 samples to a hungry public and take home 50% of the ticket sales cash pool! (No garnish).
JUDGING & TOY POINTS
- Double-Blind Scoring: Evaluated purely on Appearance, Taste, and Texture.
- Big Rewards: Cash and awards for individual categories, Reserve Grand Champion, and Grand Champion!
- Team of the Year: Turn-in scores count toward NEBS TOY points. (Chief cook must be a paid NEBS member at the time of the contest to qualify).
SITE & LOGISTICS INFO
Every team gets a minimum 20’ x 20’ footprint. We provide the infrastructure so you can focus on the flavor:
- Power & Water: Nominal electricity available (10amp max—bring a 50’ cord). Water is on-site (bring a 25’ hose and Y-connector). Quiet generators allowed.
- Waste Logistics: On-site disposal available for trash, ash, and pure grease (no greasy water).
- Cleanliness Matters: Leave your site pristine! Sites will be inspected upon departure.
CRITICAL COMPETITION RULES
- Precedence: This Cooks Packet takes precedence over standard NEBS rules where they differ. Read full rules at www.nebs.org.
- Meat Inspection: All meats must arrive raw and un-flavored. No pre-seasoning, brining, or marinating until after on-site inspection. Pre-trimming is allowed.
- Garnish Rules: Standard garnish means green leaf/romaine lettuce, parsley, or green kale only. Sauces must have finely diced chunks (under 1/8 inch). No pooling sauce or non-edible objects in the box.
- Turn-Ins: Must use the provided 9x9 containers. You must submit at least six (6) separate, identifiable portions.
- Safety First: Every team must have a 3-stage washing station (soap, rinse, bleach disinfectant) and an approved ABC fire extinguisher. Keep raw meat under 40°F and cooked meat above 140°F.
READY TO CLAIM THE CROWN?
Spaces fill up fast. Lock in your spot, prep your rubs, and get ready for a legendary weekend of smoke and fire.
??
Questions? Contact Contest Organizer
Jim Bragdon at
jcbragdon@gmail.com.
??
NEBS Rules & Memberships: Visit
www.nebs.org or email
toy@nebs.org for Team of the Year inquiries.
Complete Details and Rules can be found in the Cooks Packet
2026 Franklin County Food Fest Cooks Packet
Register to Open Soon