BBQFest2014 11

Photos by Brian Addison. Full gallery below.

Thousands flooded Harry Bridges Memorial Park Saturday to taste and judge over 60 pitmasters who flooded the day with all things barbecue at the Queen Mary’s third annual West Coast BBQ Classic.

Steve Sheldon, Director of Entertainment Events at the Queen Mary, estimated that by noon, nearly 5,500 had already arrived with more on their way. 

The crowds were understandable: given its competitive sanction by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and the California BBQ Association, the crop of vendors consisted of serious pitmasters who rule the grill. Perhaps only slightly less intriguing than the BBQ itself was the array of local vendors. From San Diego to Los Angeles, Orange to Long Beach, the vast majority of these talented grillers and marinaters and smokers hailed from SoCal.

The owners of Westminster-based The Other Guy—one of the few vendors who offered Italian sausage to the happiness of all those seeking something beyond the usual pulled-pork and brisket—noted that the community is tight-knit because many don’t have brick-and-mortar fronts. In other words: these festivals are their bread-and-butter in regard to notoriety and pride.

Though some are there for the competition and money, some—including the Long Beach boys of Bad Boy Barrel BBQ—do it for the love of food, the love of Long Beach, and playing the general conception of BBQ. They offered smoked tri-tip and pulled pork—on a taco. Then there was Torrance-based Smokey Doky—which included our personal fave for brisket and ribs—whose owners were not only married on the Queen Mary but love the feel of community Long Beach has when opening their arms for such events.

Whether it’s for the competition or love, one thing is for certain: “finger lickin’ good” doesn’t even get to the bone of this rib. Grill on, brothers and sisters.

All 60 vendors competed in four categories: chicken, ribs, beef, and pork with a grand prize of $2,500.

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