Changes Abound For 2013 Windy City BBQ Classic
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Apr 29, 2013 9:30PM
Barn and Company's Gary Wiviott (left) and Rub BBQ Company's Jared Leonard thank guests and teams for attending the inaugural Windy City BBQ Classic in 2012. (Chuck Sudo/Chicagoist)
Last year’s inaugural Windy City Rib Classic could be considered a success simply by happening. The location at Theater by the Lake was solid for foot traffic, but there was no real way for organizers Gary Wiviott and Jared Leonard to determine how many people came because they heard about the festival or simply stopped by while on a leisurely stroll of the lakefront path. There was also confusion among passers-by regarding why there was a barbecue competition on the lakefront where guests couldn’t sample what the contestants were cooking.
Enough lessons were learned that Leonard and wife Amanda feel they can grow the now re-titled Windy City BBQ Classic in its new location at the Adler Planetarium parking lot Sept. 1. The competition was recently declared a state championship by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, meaning it becomes a qualifying event for invitation-only competitions like the Jack Daniels barbecue series, a goal Leonard and Wiviott had in mind when they began planning the festival.
The competitive categories have expanded to include brisket and pork shoulder, in addition to ribs and chicken. But the competition remains true to its wood and charcoal, low and slow roots — no gas or electric grills allowed. Winners in each judged category will receive cash prizes up to $1,000, with $2,500 going to a grand champion, based on a composite score.
The new location comes with an admission fee for guests this year. Leonard told Chicagoist when tickets to the Windy City BBQ Classic go on sale in May, sales will be capped to 3,000 people to allow for plenty of walking room throughout the festival and because the festival is still in its early stages. “We know it’s a lot to ask for people to come out to the lakefront on Labor Day weekend with so much happening in Chicago,” he said. “But we feel what we have to offer and the fact we’re selling tickets months in advance will allow us to grow the festival and bring new people along with it.” (Tickets will be sold through LivingSocial.)
Leonard secured Lagunitas Brewing as the beer sponsor for the event and blues bands are being booked to provide entertainment. The judged meats still won’t be sold to the public (this isn’t Northcenter Rib Fest) but an expanded lineup of vendors will be on hand to ensure attendees won’t go hungry.
The Windy City BBQ Classic will take place Sept. 1 at the Adler Planetarium parking lot. Interested in competing? Download the form here, fill it out and email it to info@windycitybbqclassic.com.