The Alternative Press

AUGUSTA, NJ -   “It’s going very well. We’ve had thousands through and added a few new motorcycles and classic cars. We’re very happy and couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day,” said Sussex County Chamber President Tammie Horsfield.

The 10^th Annual Champion of the Grill BBQ and Blues Festival was held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 16. The family and dog friendly event lasted from noon until 5 p.m. and featured the musical stylings of "Lefty and the Tall Boys," as well as some of the best barbeque from several counties. Sausage, cheesesteaks, gyros, pulled pork and turkey, kielbasa and ribs were just a few of the delectable foods that could be sampled, along with favorite snack foods and drinks like kettle corn, smoothies, soda, pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream.

“This is a great community event. There is something for everyone here between the food, the band and the cars. It’s a really nice family event and each year it continues to grow,” said third year festival event worker and chamber member David Carcieri of the YMCA.

Wendy Mulligan from Pocono Pines, Pa, whose car, a 1968 Camaro SS, won the first place trophy in the classic car division said about the festival, “It’s going well. The food is great and the people are nice.”

There certainly was something for everyone at the festival where vendors of all specialties were out in full force. Fine jewelry, Scentsy Wickless Candles, Mary Kay, basement finishing options, massages, chiropractic screenings, and bounce houses were all being shopped during the festival.

One such vendor was Alpine Brook Farm, an alpaca farm, that was selling, among other fashions, hats, gloves and blankets all made from alpaca hair.

 “We are a new alpaca farm right in Frelinghuysen and it’s our first year here,” said Alpine Brook Farm owner Mary Iozzi. “We are loving the food and the music. We’ve gotten a lot of people who are interested and curious. It’s exciting and going great.”

 Truly the star of the festival though was all of the barbeque food.

“It’s going fantastic and we’re having a lot of fun,” said Highland Lakes’ Bryan Culler from Gimp Dog Barbeque. “We’ve made this a whole family affair with nieces, nephews and extended family helping.”

Gimp Dog Barbeque offered pork shoulder, beef brisket and pulled pork with various sauces. Their most popular sauce was a mix of flavors including honey, maple, and a hint of chocolate.

No matter where one turned there was food, drink and fun.

One of the most creative barbeques was by the Car-B-Que Crew, whose grill was made out of 1965 Dodge Dart. Technically meant for catering, the car is equipped with a grill where the engine would be, a cooler in the trunk, and an extension cord in the gas tank. The grill is capable of cooking 40 half chickens or two 150 pound pigs, among other kinds of meat.

“The festival is phenomenal. We are optimistic [about their chances of winning]. We’ve won in the past and are in eight categories this year,” said Robert Nicholson, President and CEO of the Eastern Propane Corporation. “We’re seeing a lot of happy people. It’s a wonderful day and we’re proud to be a part of it. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”
           
The winners in all categories were as follows:

Classic Car Division Winners:
People’s Choice Winner: Jim Van Genderen
Third Place: Doug Jergenson
Second Place: Robert Brucell
First Place: Wendy Mulligan

Motorcycle Division (a first time category):
Best in Show: Glenn Keller

Grill Winners:
People’s Choice: Texas Smoke BBQ

Amateur Beef Overall Winner: Knights of Columbus
Amateur Chicken Overall Winner: Chamber of Young Professionals
Amateur Lamb Overall Winner: Team Eastern Propane
Amateur Pork Shoulder Overall Winner: Team Eastern Propane
Amateur Wild Game Overall Winner: Knights of Columbus
Amateur Pork Spare Ribs Overall Winner: All Sauced Up from Sussex County Technical School
Amateur Whole Hog Overall Winner: Knights of Columbus

Professional Beef Overall Winner: Texas Smoke BBQ
Professional Chicken, Beef, Pork Ribs and Pork Shoulder Overall Winners: Texas Smoke BBQ

Healthy Grilling Category Winner: Knights of Columbus

Top Smoker Overall: Texas Smoke BBQ (for their ribs)
Top Grilling Overall: Knights of Columbus (for their wild game)

Amateur Division Top Winner: Knights of Columbus
Professional Division Top Winner: Texas Smoke BBQ

Grand Champion of Grilling 2012: Texas Smoke BBQ