By GENE GOYCOCHEA, scbbqa Director and Vice President
First posted November 1, 2001 at 8:52 PM PST (0452 GMT)
Last updated November 24, 2001 at 2:16 PM PST (2216 GMT)

Editor's Note:  Due to an editing error, this story as originally posted contained several mistakes and omissions, which we regret.

LYNCHBURG, Tennessee -- It was a wonderful weekend in Lynchburg Tennessee at the Jack Daniels Invitational BBQ Cook-off.  On Thursday, the fun began when all the teams, volunteers and sponsor -- Jack Daniel's staff -- started preparing for the long weekend. 

Cold but fun

The teams began to prepare for the cool (cold 21-27 degrees) weather that would hit the night of my arrival. The teams that attend this event on a regular basis seemed to be prepared for any and all conditions.  Even the California teams seemed well prepared.  

California was represented by four Association teams:  

• Asleep at the Grill (Vic Sessions and Roger Wagner, with Sharon Takeshiga and Dan Brown)
• BBQ Bandits II (Stu Carpenter, with Dick Stuart, Mark Shardlow and Steve DiLura)
• Dueling Bubbas (Don Grissom and Derek Muller, with Don Iverson)
• Madd Momma and the Kids (Judie and Amy Anderson, with Melanie Jones)

Teams set up with their canopies, started their fires and prepared their meats to compete against the best teams in the world.  The Jack Daniel's is an Invitational contest, and only a few of the best teams receive an invitation:  winners of the big four national contests, winners of an international contest, winners of a state championship, and other winners of major titles.

California winners

When the judging was finished and the results were announced, California teams had won their share of awards with several calls to the stage.

Asleep at the Grill (Vic Sessions) took first place in Whole Hog, 6th in brisket, and 7th in Sauce.  This was the team's second win in Whole Hog at the Jack.  Mad Momma, which won the Surf & Turf BBQ Classic California State Championship, won 7th place in Dessert, 8th place in Pork, and 10th place in Chicken.

Parties

The teams and visitors enjoyed the opportunity to socialize with friends, new and old.  On Thursday and Friday night, everyone enjoyed partying. 

Barbecue cooks are the friendliest bunch, sharing their food, fun and drinks with everyone.  Even the major teams, which are so well known in the barbecue Q'munity, shared their friendship with other cooks and visitors.

World BBQ next July

Tana Shupe of Jack Daniels announced the award winners, and she also announced that the 2002 World BBQ Association's World Championship BBQ event date will be held from July 4 to 6, 2002 at Imperial Beach, California.  

The contest will feature a July 4th Fireworks Show and includes great food and fun.  More than 50 teams are expected to compete for the world title.

One of the prizes awarded to Twin Oak Smokin Crew, the winner of the Jack, is an invitation to compete at the World Championship in July.

Similarly, the winner of the World Championship will receive an automatic invitation to compete at next year's Jack Daniel's Invitational and the American Royal Invitational.

Next year in Lynchburg

The teams and visitors at this year's Jack Daniel's enjoyed the finest Southern hospitality and camaraderie.  All look forward to seeing Tana Shupe and everyone else at next year's Jack Daniel's.