24th Annual BBQ Fly-In Showcases Elite BBQ and Brewing Talent in Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs, MO—Celebrating its 24th year, the 2024 BBQ Fly-In on the River lit up Excelsior Springs this past weekend, drawing competitors and enthusiasts from across the Midwest and beyond. The event, held on August 16-17, featured 65 competitive BBQ teams from eight states, 17 home brewers showcasing 54 home-brewed beers, and 16 downtown businesses participating in the Friday night On The Rocks Whiskey Stroll.

The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest saw intense competition, with six teams scoring over 700 points, an outstanding achievement in the BBQ world. Eighteen teams earned perfect scores in individual cooking categories.

Dave Rogers, representing the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), likened BBQ competitions to NASCAR circuits, emphasizing the unique culture that has developed within the competitive BBQ community. He explained that, much like NASCAR teams, BBQ competitors travel across the region, participating in various events throughout the summer. This nomadic lifestyle fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among the teams, who often spend months on the road together, honing their skills and forming lasting bonds.

The competitive BBQ circuit, similar to NASCAR, is characterized by a blend of intense rivalry and deep mutual respect. While the goal is to win, the participants also value the connections they make along the way. Teams often camp together, exchange tips, and support one another, whether it’s lending equipment or sharing ingredients. This spirit of cooperation and friendship extends beyond the competition, with many participants maintaining close ties and reuniting at events year after year.

Machete Boys BBQ from Minneapolis, Minnesota, emerged as the Grand Champion, while Ambition Que from Springfield, Missouri, claimed the Reserve Grand Champion title. Other notable winners included Meat Rushmore BBQ from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, who took first place in the pasta category, and B3 BBQ, also from Lee’s Summit, who won the dessert category. The People’s Choice award went to Man Meat BBQ from Stilwell, Kansas.

Local favorites didn’t disappoint, either. Excelsior Springs’ own Atlas Saloon Brewery won the Bloody Mary contest, adding to the town’s strong showing at the event.

The Kids Que competitions saw young grill masters in action, with Anderson Watts of Fairway Smokers from Blaire, Nebraska, winning the 5-10 age group, and Catie Micek of Too Sauced To Smoke from Kansas City, Missouri, taking the top spot in the 11-15 age group.

Full List of BBQ Winners

Grand Champion – Machete Boys BBQ (Minneapolis, MN)

Reserve Grand Champion – Ambition Que (Springfield, MO)

Pasta – Meat Rushmore BBQ (Lee’s Summit, MO)

Dessert – B3 BBQ (Lee’s Summit, MO)

People’s Choice – Man Meat BBQ (Stilwell, KS)

Bloody Mary Contest – Atlas Saloon Brewery (Excelsior Springs, MO)

Kid’s Que (5-10) – Anderson Watts, Fairway Smokers (Blaire, NE)

Kid’s Que (11-15) – Catie Micek, Too Sauced To Smoke (Kansas City, MO)

Turkey Smoke – Wags Backwoods BBQ (Osage, IA)

Chicken – Janky Leg BBQ (Benton, IL)

Pork Ribs – Machete Boys BBQ (Minneapolis, MN)

Pork – Meat Rushmore BBQ (Lee’s Summit, MO)

Brisket – Parts R Smokin (Harrisonville, MO)

Homebrewers also had their moment to shine on Saturday. Old Man Oz took home two awards, winning both the People’s Choice for their “85 Rye Guy” and the Brewer’s People award for “Care Bear Stare.” The Best of Show went to Rock Star Bier Werks II for their stout, while Smashed Brothers Brewing won the Wheat Contest with their “Whango Cart.”

Lyndsey Baxter, Director of the Downtown Economic Partnership and the event’s organizer praised the efforts of the volunteers who dedicated 1,075 hours to make the event a success. “This event is only possible because of them. Their passion and commitment are what make this event stand out,” Baxter said.

The event was not only a hit among competitors but also received glowing feedback from attendees and local businesses. “I’ve been to a lot of BBQ competitions, and I’ve never been around a group of people that cared about me so much as the volunteers of this one,” said one participant.

Raffle prizes added to the weekend’s excitement, with local residents Bob Barnes, Don Kelley, and Rex Baxter winning a Yeti cooler, a Travis Kelce jersey, and a Henry 30-30 rifle, respectively.

As the smoke cleared and the grills cooled, Excelsior Springs further solidified its reputation as a premier destination for BBQ enthusiasts, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next Fly-In on the River.

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