Hey Gang! Here's what's happening the world of Illinois BBQ Society... -> Governor Recognizes ILBBQS Contests as State Championships -> Upcoming Contests... -> Heads Up... -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- This newsletter brought to you by: Holy Smoke Backyard BBQ Cook-Off August 11, 2007 ~ Family Fun! http://www.gosalem.com/holysmoke -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- -> Governor Recognizes ILBBQS Contests as State Championships With the Iowa BBQ Society paving the way for other states, I am pleased to announce that the Governor of Illinois has issued a blanket proclamation for all BBQ Contests/Festivals/Events in the state of Illinois to be a State Championship, so long as they are recognized by the Illinois BBQ Society. To cut through the hoop jumping often required for obtaining a proclamation through the Governor's Office, there is only one requirement for a contest to be recognized as an Illinois State Championship from the ILBBQS...Be an ILBBQS Member (easy enough). We will soon be able to provide a PDF of the proclamation to any 'sanctioned' event (KCBS or MIM) for them to have on hand as proof of their proclamation. This is just one more way ILBBQS is working to make it easier for contest/event/festival organizers to produce a quality contest and focus on the cooks needs. *************************************** Upcoming Backyard Contests... August 5th - McHenry County Fair BBQ Cook-Off - Woodstock, Illinois - Proceeds benefit local children's charities. Contact: Angela Morrison Phone: 847-452-7749 Upcoming KCBS Contests... July 13th - 14th - Illinois State Championship & Butt to Butt Pork Invitational - Shannon, Illinois - Contact: Connie Smith Phone: 816-864-2542 Fax: 815-864-2825 E-mail: rrribs@frontiernet.net *************************************** -> Heads Up... ---> Deadlines for late summer KCBS contests are coming up quickly. Most have early bird sign up at reduced application fees. Southern Illinois Bluegrass & BBQ Festival earlybird sign-up is July 27th; Central Illinois Bragging Rights earlybird sign-up is August 25th. Check out http://www.ILBBQS.com > Events for more information! *************************************** 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