Grillin’ good time at Grill Fest 2024

• Grillin’ good time at Grill Fest 2024
• Grillin’ good time at Grill Fest 2024

The Annual Grill Fest March 15 -16 at the rodeo arena was another success with area cook teams competing for prize money, jackpot competitions, a washer pitching and 42 tournaments, plus karaoke and entertainment.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce expressed thanks to the volunteers, who helped with the 2024 Grill Fest stating, “Without your time, energy and enthusiasm, the event would have not been possible. Thank you to all our cook teams for your continued support and attendance. Congratulations to all the weekend winners.”

Grand Champion, Reserve Champion, and First Place winners (plus prize money for barbecue) in each division are listed below. The list of winners plus more photos can be found online at www. lightandchampion.com Grand Champion - East Texas Smokers, Timpson, head cook Scotty Bryce. Reserve Grand Champion Big Juicy’s BBQ, Longview, head cook Janna Smelley.

Grand Champion – East Texas Smokers, Timpson. head cook Scotty Bryce.Reserve Grand Champion – Big Juicy’s BBQ, Longview, head cook Janna Smelley.

Chicken 1st place – ($1, 000) East Texas Smokers Timpson, head cook Scotty Bryce.

2nd place – ($500) Real Smoke BBQ Tenaha, head cook Duane Anderson.

3rd place – ($250) Big Juicy’s BBQ Longview, head cook Janna Smelley.

Pork Ribs 1st place – ($1000) Hound Dawg Harris San Augustine, head cook Robert Harris.

2nd place – ($500) East Texas Smokers Timpson, head cook Scotty Bryce.

3rd place – ($250) Big Juicy’s BBQ Longview, head cook Janna Smelley.

Brisket 1st place - ($1, 000) Big Juicy’s BBQ Longview, head cook Janna Smelley.

2nd place - ($500) J’s Bar & Grill Center, head cook Jeremy Snider.

3rd place - ($250) East Texas Smokers Timpson, head cook Scotty Bryce.

Pinto Beans 1st place – The Fluffy Dumplin’ Center, head cook Lucas Robbins.

2nd place – Shelby Savings Bank Center, head cook Clay Blacksher.

3rd place - Chase-NMoore Friendswood, head cook Shawn Moore.

Margarita 1st place – Real Smoke BBQ Tenaha, head cook Duane Anderson.

Bloody Mary 1st place – J’s Bar & Grill Center, head cook Ashley Snider.

Chef’s Choice 1st place - East Texas Smokers Timpson, head cook Scotty Bryce. (Pork Tenderloin) People’s Choice - Smokin’ Wrench BBQ 42 Tournament 1st place – Royce Lynn Johnson and Richard Livingston.

2nd place – Shelby Johnson and Olivia Johnson.

Washer Pitching Competition 1st place – Ryan Bailey and Hannah Bailey 2nd place – Curtis Bailey and Robbey Dutton.

The chamber expressed thanks to the sponsors who made the event possible. Farmers State Bank, Pilgrims Pride, Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, Shelby Savings Bank, the City of Center, Rapid Payday & Title Loans, C&J A/C and Heating, Ace Hardware of East Texas, BTS Disposal, Bob’s Pawn and Gun Shop, Cobb Vantress-Timberlake Farm, R&D Distributing, Raymond Motor Company, Timberwolf Lake Works, 4C Electric, Brock’s Rocks, H&R Block and Despino’s Tires. Thank you to Texas Glacier for donating ice and BTS Disposal for donating the dumpster. A special “Thank You to Bobby Daw for all his help.”