Weather Dampens BBQ Enthusiasm in Rocky Mount, NC

The rib entry from Swine 'N' Roses, the grand champion, which placed third in the rib category. Photo: Swine 'n' Roses/Facebook.

Rocky Mount, NC, is known for many things, although barbecue may not be one of them. However, the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, which is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, has been pushing barbecue to the forefront for several years. I first judged at this event in 2017, returned again in 2018, but had not been able to attend again until this year. 

Judges assemble for the start of their meeting.

Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown

For many years it has been a major event for cooking teams as well as judges. This year, however, the weather — steady, hard rain with high winds — significantly dampened everyone’s enthusiasm and kept the usual large crowd of observers away. 

The rainy weather made the contest less enjoyable for the cooking teams..

What had been a popular street scene was barely attended. The cooking teams, nevertheless, rose to the occasion and provided what the judges were looking for: excellent barbecue. 

Entries are ready to be taken to the judges.

Swine 'n' Roses Wins

This year 27 teams competed for the $18,900 in cash prizes. As usual, the contest consisted of the four KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket) which are required entries in order to qualify for the Grand Championship, which was won by Swine 'N' Roses BBQ. 

Swine 'n' Roses was not only the grand champion, but they also won trophies for each of the four meat categories plus a trophy for scoring more than 700 points. Photo: Swine 'n' Roses/Facebook.

Prizes are also awarded in individual categories, and an optional category is the People’s Choice. 

The poor weather limited how many voted in the People's Choice contest. 

Although the poor weather reduced how many spectators attended, the event still upheld the best traditions of barbecue competitions. The teams vied for the prizes, and the best one won.

The chicken entry prepared by Swine 'n' Roses, the grand champion. Photo: Swine 'n' Roses/Facebook.

The pork entry prepared by Swine 'n' Roses, the grand champion. Photo: Swine 'n' Roses/Facebook.

The brisket entry prepared by Swine 'n' Roses, the grand champion. Photo: Swine 'n' Roses/Facebook.