Smoke filled the air, grills were fired up and thousands of barbecue lovers descended on downtown San Juan Bautista as the community came together for a three-day rib cook-off celebrating food, music and small-town summer fun.
The annual event May 8-10 brought together nine pitmasters from across the country and Australia to compete for bragging rights while offering families a weekend packed with vendors and plenty of award-worthy barbecue.
David Murillo from King City was trying the ribs from Aussom Aussie as he stood on the sidewalk in the shade across from their truck.
“These are great,” he said. “They just have the best sauce.”
Sergio and Carmina Rivera from Salinas said they come every year to eat the ribs from Carson City BBQ.
“They are tender and the sauce they have is just great,” said Carmina.
Sam Lyons with Men Wielding Fire out of Reno, Nev., said the event was a successful money maker but it was the people who made it especially great.
“I think we did a little more than $35,000 during the three days in sales,” he said. “But it was a sort of culture shock being in San Juan Bautista. Everyone wants to talk and ask questions about our process. It was really nice to engage with everyone.”
He said they plan to return next year.
“We loved the La Posada Inn and hanging out at Daisy’s afterward,” Lyons said. “We really loved it.”
Phil Hyatt with Carson City BBQ was thrilled Monday as his team took home the Best Ribs, and missed out on People’s Choice by seven votes.
“Saturday was a record day,” he said. They brought 1,500 racks of ribs and sold 1,460 during the three days—including more than 600 Saturday.
Hyatt, who has been in the business for 30 years and has won more than 150 awards, only goes to three cook-offs every year, and plans to return next year.
“We’ll be back,” he said. “We have to defend our title and I really love what I’m doing.”
Leisha Price and Jesse Rivas from Prunedale were relaxing at The Hideaway Friday afternoon after exploring the event earlier that day.
“We come every year,” Price said. “We love Carson City BBQ but our favorite today was Aussom Aussie. We ate like a rack of ribs today.”
On other occasions, they’ve enjoyed the Mansmith Tri-Tip Sandwiches on garlic bread.
“We really enjoy it,” she added. “It’s just fun. I love the ribs and checking out all the vendors.”
According to San Juan Bautista City Manager Ashley Collick the rib cook-off brought strong activity into downtown San Juan Bautista over the weekend, with rib teams, food and beverage vendors, arts and craft vendors, entertainment and visitors throughout the event area.
“It was encouraging to see the downtown active and well-attended, and the event provided a positive opportunity for community gathering and local economic activity,” Collick said.
While there is no official attendance count at this time, based on field observations, turnout appeared strong throughout the weekend, she added.
Rib Cook-Off winners
People’s Choice: Mansmith BBQ
1st Place Best Ribs: Carson City BBQ
2nd Place Best Ribs: Mansmith BBQ
3rd Place Best Ribs: Aussom Aussie Australian
1st Place Best Sauce: Mansmith BBQ
2nd Place Best Sauce: Men Wielding Fire BBQ
3rd Place Best Sauce: Chillin and Grilling BBQ
