HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Anyone near downtown Hopkinsville Friday, June 7 could certainly smell what the Parks and Recreation Department was cooking. The Sixth Annual Squealin’ on the Square barbeque competition drew a large crowd with the aroma of pork ribs, pork chops and chicken being prepared for judging. Six competitors came out to provide their versions of these barbeque favorites for the crowd to enjoy while enjoying live music.
Toby Hudson, superintendent of parks and recreation, explained that each grill-master and their crews were judged on three different aspects of their entries: appearance, taste and tenderness. Two groups of three judges sampled each entry, giving their ratings from one to five.
This year, BBQ on Wheels won the first-place trophy for their pork chops, Knuckles BBQ won for pork ribs, and New World Fellowship won for chicken. Each winner also received $250. The Mayor’s Choice Award went to Hopkinsville Fire Department 5533.
“It’s not about the money, but the trophy and to really advertise for the church,” said winner Kent Blanks, who proudly posed with his crew from New Work Fellowship and their first-place trophy.
First time winners, Knuckles BBQ, brought nine racks of ribs from their backyard business and all their food was gone with nearly an hour to go in the evening.
Although they didn’t win this year, Kinfolk Catering displayed their previous three trophies. One of their grill masters, William Goldman, said they come out to compete but to also be part of the community. “It’s fun and relaxing for me”, Goldman said as he turned chickens on the large grill.
The crowd enjoyed the barbeque after the judging was complete, dancing to the band, Xtraordinary Gentlemen and enjoying good weather.