Great Thoughts, and keep them coming

I wanted to take a moment and respond to Jim Brigg's comments. You are right with many of your points. Here is how we hope to address it this year:

1. To be a sanctioned event, we are required to have power and water for each cook site (15 amp). We will have that this year. Now granted, some sites will require up to 100 ft of extension cord or hose, but most will be within 50 feet of hook ups.

2. There is no car show scheduled for this year.

3. We are planning to allow teams to sell BBQ at the event. The teams that choose to sell will be required to fill with the health department and be subject to inspection. We are also planning on filing with the Health Department as a nonprofit event. I believe there is a $50 charge for filing with the State. We will not charge a fee to teams who wish to sell, but we are asking teams to split there gross sales with the charity, 80%/20% in lieu of a fee.

4. Alcohol is a touchy subject. Currently, the County does not allow alcohol consumption at county facilities. This would require an ordinance change at the county level, and the only way that will happen is if concerned folks like you call your commissioner and complain. Because of my position with the Cook-off, I don't feel comfortable pushing this issue, but I can get you phone numbers if you'd like to lead the charge.

I appreciate all your comments, and look forward to many more. Larry, Rob and myself want this to be the best ever. We want this to be the best cook-off in the state, period.