Vying for recognition of the state's best barbecue griller assumed international proportions when Robert Pace of England joined the competitive field at the Budweiser Eighth Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Championship February 4 in Winter Haven, Florida. Pace is believed to be the event's first international competitor in its 8-year history.
"I combined a 3-day family trip to Disney World with competing during my 2-week vacation in the States," Pace said at the event's conclusion. "I was looking for a fun way to spend our second week in the States. Wayne Lohman of the Kansas City BBQ Association's International Outreach Team suggested I participate in Smoke on the Water."
Ron McKeehen, the Central Florida distributor for Green Mountain Grills, said a distributor in England called Green Mountain's office in California to help Pace enter the competition. The corporate office called on Ron and Nancy McKeehen in Lakeland, Florida, owners of Grills and More, a retail store selling a full line of grills and supplies, a wholesale business, and a catering service. McKeehen loaned Pace two grills, a trailer, chairs, and other equipment and supplies. Pace packed his own knives, tongs, and meat rubs for the 9-hour, 7,000-mile flight from England with his wife, daughter, and mother.
International Competitor Places in Backyard Barbecue Division
Pace placed fourth in Ribs and fifth in Pork in the Backyard Barbecue Division.
"To get two walks (to receive trophies) your first time in the competition is pretty impressive," said McKeehen. "Of course," he laughed, "Pace was set up with the right equipment."
A former chef, Pace judges events in his home country through the British BBQ Association. The weekend before Smoke on the Water, he judged events at Lakeland's Pigfest barbecue competition. When not competing in England, he builds barbecue pits and provides catering services.
"British competition is all serious," he said, "and mostly commercial. There is no music nor involvement with charities." He scanned Smoke on the Water's crowds estimated at 23,000 persons roaming the 15-acre site, enjoying a variety of foods in a background of live music. "This is a really fun atmosphere that I want to incorporate into England's events."
Annual Fundraiser for Citrus Center Boys and Girls Clubs
Approximately $80,000 was raised by 79 teams competing in the annual fundraising event for the Citrus Center Boys and Girls Clubs with facilities in the Central Florida communities of Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Haines City. The three clubs provide approximately 700 youths daily with a safe after-school environment where they receive homework help, participate in sports, and learn respect for property and rights of others. Staff and volunteers aim to inspire and enable youths to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
"Without the funds raised by Smoke on the Water," said Frank Csomos, Event Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, "two clubs probably would close."
Qualifier for Jack Daniels World Championship Barbecue Cookoff
Sanctioned by the Florida Barbecue Association, Smoke on the Water is a qualifier for the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational held each October in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
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