Kansas City Barbeque Society facts for kids
The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is a group that organizes cooking contests. It is based in Kansas City, Missouri. KCBS is famous for its barbecue competitions. It is the biggest competitive barbecue organization in the world. More than 15,000 people are members. Carolyn and Gary Wells, along with Rick Welch, started KCBS in 1985. They wanted to create a local group for barbecue contests. Since then, KCBS has grown a lot. It now helps manage hundreds of competitions.
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Barbecue Competitions
The Kansas City Barbeque Society is the official group that approves competitive barbecue cooking events. Each year, KCBS approves over 300 contests. These events happen all across the country. KCBS has more than 15,000 members. These members include Certified BBQ Judges, cooking teams, and contest helpers. They also include people who just love great food and community.
How Competitions Work
Competitions often happen with local festivals or other events. They are usually linked to raising money for good causes. Cooking teams typically arrive on a Thursday or Friday morning. They set up their cooking equipment. Teams also spend time with their "BBQ Family." Competitors start cooking on Friday evening. They continue cooking through the night. They turn in their various smoked meats early Saturday afternoon.
Standard Meats for Judging
KCBS cook teams usually turn in four types of meat. These are chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder (also called boston butt), and beef brisket. Judges taste and score these meats.
Prizes and Spectators
Events often have cash prizes and trophies. The prize amounts can be different for each event. Many events attract thousands of spectators. Depending on the prize money, teams from several states might come to compete. For over 30 years, KCBS has been a leader in barbecue. It sets the standard for competitive food events worldwide.
National Grilling Society
KCBS also approves competitive food events that focus on grilling. This means cooking over an open flame. The National Grilling Society is a part of KCBS. It focuses on grilled food contests. These contests do not use the four traditional KCBS meats. KCBS is the largest group that approves competitive food events globally.
Certified Barbeque Judges
The Kansas City Barbeque Society uses a blind judging process. This means judges do not know which team cooked the food. This happens at all official contests.
Becoming a Judge
To become a Certified Barbeque Judge (CBJ), you must be at least 16 years old. You also need to attend a CBJ class. Hundreds of these classes are held every year.
Becoming a Master Judge
A Certified Barbeque Judge can become a Master Certified Barbeque Judge. To do this, they must judge at 30 contests. They also need to cook with a competition team. Finally, they must pass an online exam.
The Judge's Oath
Judges at all Kansas City Barbeque Society competitions take an oath. Famous judge Ardie Davis wrote this oath.
I do solemnly swear to objectively and subjectively evaluate each Barbeque meat that is presented to my eyes, my nose, my hands and my palate. I accept my duty to be an Official KCBS Certified Judge, so that truth, justice, excellence in Barbeque and the American Way of Life may be strengthened and preserved forever.
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