Hey Gang! It's kind of a slow week in the Illinois BBQ world, but here's what's happening the world of Illinois BBQ Society... -> Governor Recognizes ILBBQS Contests as State Championships -> Shannon Results -> 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 -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- -> Illinois BBQ Society working with State of Illinois for economic growth through BBQ Tourism July 20, 2007 – In a move that has only been realized by one other state in the country, the Salem based Illinois BBQ Society has negotiated an agreement with the State of Illinois to recognize all barbeque related contests and cook-offs in the state as a ‘State Championship’. Governor Rod Blagojevich has issued a proclamation stating, in part “…these competitions, festivals and events attract BBQ teams, judges and spectators from all over the United States which contribute to our local economies; and give Illinois Communities the opportunity to bring family oriented events that will showcase the community’s amenities; as well as afford entertainment for Illinois citizens by providing them another reason to spend leisure time in the state of Illinois… I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim all BBQ contests in the State of Illinois that are officially recognized by the Illinois BBQ Society as Official State BBQ Championships in the State of Illinois.” Receiving a designation of ‘State Championship’ will allow the winners of such events the opportunity to advance to national competitions where both accolades for their teams, and the state in which they qualified, are brought to the attention of an international audience. While it may seem trivial to some, this designation will enable festivals, events, contests and cook-offs in the state to potentially draw more tourists to their area; which in turn can mean more money being spent in local shopping, motel & hotel room nights, and dining. “In the multi-million dollar world of ‘BBQ Tourism’” states Jim Reincke, of the Illinois BBQ Society, “this designation can mean the difference between a few hundred dollars of additional business growth to many thousands of dollars of revenue that the host city would not have otherwise realized. Other than being a prerequisite for inclusion to many national competitions, the ‘State Championship’ designation adds a prestige to an event that can draw teams, judges, and spectators from across the country. These travelers need a place to stay, a place to eat and, often traveling with their family, are looking for additional activities in the form of sightseeing excursions.” The Illinois BBQ Society is a membership organization designed to promote the growing sport of both ‘backyard’ and ‘pro’ competitive barbeque contests and cook-offs in the state of Illinois. Boasting members in seven states and two countries, the Illinois BBQ Society is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing barbeque organizations in the country. To find out more about economic development through BBQ Tourism, Governor Blagojevich’s proclamation, or to become a member of the Illinois BBQ Society, you are encouraged to visit their website at www.ILBBQS.com. THis is the official press release. Please feel free to send it out to your local news/media outlets for possible pick-up! You can get the press release at http://www.ILBBQS.com/press . *************************************** -> Shannon, Illinois Results Just in case you haven't heard the news, here are the Shannon, Illinois KCBS results from last weekend (thanks Burnt Food Dude)... Grand Champion - The Heat is On Reserve Champion - Smokin Clones Chicken 1. BBQr's Delight 2. A Boy and His BBQ 3. The Heat Is On 4. Buttrub.Com 5. Munchin Hogs At the Hill Pork Ribs 1. Coach's Cooking Team 2. The Heat Is On 3. Smoke'n Sourmash 4. Holy Sow 5. Smokers Wild Pork 1. Chi-Town Smokers 2. CancerSucksChicago.com 3. Let's kick Some Ash 4. Bavarian BBQ Boys 5. Smokin Clones Brisket 1. CancerSucksChicago.com 2. Holy Sow 3. Smokin Clones 4. BBQrs Delight 5. ButtRub.com Dessert 1. Burnt Food Dude 2. Chicago Smoke 3. Texas Rib Rangers 4. Bar B Quau 5. KRE Smokers Sausage 1. The Heat Is On 2. Ulcer Acres BBQ 3. The Smoke Hunters 4. Smokin Clones 5. CancerSucksChicago.com Total 60 entries Winner of the Butt to Butt Competition is Smokin Triggers *************************************** 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 August 11th - Holy Smoke BBQ Cook-Off - Salem, Illinois - Contact: Jim Reincke @ Phone: 618-407-3300 - E-mail: rhino@banditbbq.com Upcoming KCBS Contests... KCBS contests in Illinois are on hold until September when the Southern Illinois Bluegrass & BBQ Festival will get underway, the second weekend of the month. Now is a great time to take part in some backyard events to try out new recipes and techniques! *************************************** -> 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