Hey Gang! Here's what's happening the world of the Illinois BBQ Society... -> The WSM's Nemisis Generating Buzz -> Member News...BBQ News...Pass it on -> 2008 Contest Year Taking Shape -> Upcoming Contests... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- This newsletter brought to you by: Southwestern Illinois Spring Festival Wamac, Illinois Friday & Saturday, May 2-3, 2008 State Championship BBQ Cookoff, KCBS Sanctioning Pending, Food, Live Music, Car & Motorcycle Show, Beer Garden & MORE! http://www.GoCentralia.com/springfestival -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- The WSM's Nemisis Generating Buzz Word has it that ProQ BBQ, Ltd., a U.K. based company and maker of a WSM-like smoker, will be making the big pond jump to the U.S. in a bold way. With one current U.S. distributor (in Buffalo, New York) already selling their smokers, it has now been reported that ProQ BBQ, Ltd. is poised to open offices in Arizona by the end of February 2008. Should Weber Smokey Mountain be nervous? Time will tell, but around the time of their Arizona office opening, it's been said that they will also be introducing a new model that is reported to be bigger than the popular WSM. Sources say that the new ProQ Smoker will be approximately 2.5" bigger than their current 'Frontier' model and, at a reported 20" diameter, will be 1.5" bigger than Weber's current mainstay. As soon as 'Frontiers' big brother is introduced, ILBBQS will be running a head-to-head comparison against the WSM to see how things shake out. Stay tuned! If any of you have used one of ProQ's Smokers, Let Us Know About Your Experience! *************************************** Member News...BBQ News...Pass it on Now that ILBBQS has members in 7 states, 2 countries, and growing, getting news about our members has become more and more difficult. If you know of some BBQ news that involves our members, the state of Illinois, yourself, or your team, please Let Us Know! You may send news items to bbq@ilbbqs.com or simply fill out the short form on our 'Submit News' page (listed at the top of every page). Thank you all sooo much for your help! *************************************** 2008 Contest Year Taking Shape Just two short years ago Illinois hosted only 4 KCBS Sanctioned Contests. After peeking at KCBS' 2008 Event Calendar, and talking with contest organizers who have recently submitted sanctioning requests, next year's BBQ Season is shaping up to the absolute Biggest & Best in Illinois' history! The ILBBQS.com Events/Contests page has been updated and currently has 10 State Championship Contests (All of which are likely to be KCBS Sanctioned) scheduled for 2008! WOW...what a HUGE increase in the growing popularity our 'sport' has enjoyed in the past couple of years! The Illinois BBQ Society will be working hard in the coming year to help both 'young' and 'old' contests alike, but can only do it with your help. Please keep us updated with any news, information, results, pictures, and such that you may come across that may peak the interest of other BBQ enthusiasts interested in BBQ in Illinois (and surrounding areas). Drop us a line anytime to bbq@ilbbqs.com or fill out the 'Submit News' form on the website. http://www.ILBBQS.com *************************************** Upcoming 2007 Backyard Contests... ~ None Currently Scheduled. Upcoming 2007 KCBS Contests... ~ None Currently Scheduled. *************************************** If you have a BBQ related news item you would like to share with the group, be sure to send it in! There is an easy-to-use 'Submit News' button on our website at http://www.ILBBQS.com ...use it often! As always, if you have any pictures, stories, news items, comments, suggestions, questions, or ideas, let me know! Carpe 'Que, Jim 'Rhino' Reincke