Are you looking forward to nice weather, BBQ and time with your family?  If so, then come out and support JDRF at The Masters in May BBQ Competition May 4th-6th. As their Charity of Choice, JDRF had a chance to catch up with one of the organizers of the event, Tim Schopp, and ask a few questions about the competition, its history, and why they chose to partner with JDRF.

The MASTERS IN MAY is a KCBS sanctioned Pro BBQ Competition and Wisconsin State Championship.  Winners of either of the two competitions qualify for the AMERICAN ROYAL, JACK DANIELS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP and SUNNY’S INVITATIONAL. It is one of the Wisconsin competitions designated “PAY IT FORWARD”, thus our association with JDRF.

MASTERS IN MAY started 8 years ago in a small field behind a garage in Greenville with just 12 teams from the Fox River Valley. Last year 125 teams competed over the weekend in the two competitions.  In the BBQ world it is considered one of the top 10 competitions in the Midwest and draws teams from 17 states.

Competitive BBQ is a family friendly, fun weekend, some of these teams are out 25-30 weekends a year, with family.  Thus the KIDS QUE, DESSERT COMPS, and side comps that involve the whole family.  Many of us are diabetic and have children with diabetes. We know the hassles of the disease and support any research and education.

There will be many known ‘pitmasters’ at the competition this year, but one that we are particularly excited about is 9 year old, Molly Leighninger.  Molly is the daughter of Brad Leighninger, pitmaster of GETTIN’ BASTED one of the top 5 teams in the world. They walked away with all the awards at the KIDS QUE competition at the AMERICAN ROYAL this year.  Her success was noticed by several Food Greats like Giada DeLaurentis and talk show host Steve Harvey and her rise to national attention has done nothing but grow.  She will be doing demos at the event for children.

This event really is fun for all ages!  There is a ‘Kids-que’ competition taking place on Saturday morning.  Two age divisions will compete, 7-12 and 13-18.  If you are interested, Click Here, for rules and the application.

Not only will you be able to sample BBQ and talk with the pitmasters and their teams, but JDRF will be hosting 50/50 and meat raffles, and will have an inflatable obstacle course and face painting for the kids.

Come out and support JDRF while learning more about BBQ. We look forward to seeing everyone out at the Stoneyard, W3010 Edgewood Trail Appleton, WI 54913 on May 4th 4-7, and May 5th & 6th all day.