A Carnival Tradition With Plenty Of Smoke
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Barbecue cooks from the competition circuit and closer to home will gather near City Park during this year’s Watermelon Carnival for the 16th annual Train Tracks Pork Attack.
The Memphis Barbecue Network sanctioned contest has grown into a popular part of Carnival weekend, filling the area with teams, smokers and the unmistakable aroma of barbecue.
Professional competitors will test their skills in three traditional categories: whole hog, pulled pork and pork ribs. These teams often travel from contest to contest, bringing large cooking rigs, carefully guarded recipes and years of experience to the pits.
The competition also offers a place for cooks whose experience may come from church suppers, family reunions, neighborhood gatherings or weekends spent tending a smoker at home.
The Patio Division will return for a second year, giving local and amateur cooks an opportunity to compete in pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket.
Patio teams must enter at least two categories to receive a cooking space. Those hoping to be named Patio Grand Champion must compete in all three. The cost is $75 for each category, with a total entry fee of $225 for teams entering ribs, pulled pork and brisket.
The overall Patio winner will take home $500. Individual category prizes will be $250 for first place, $150 for second, $100 for third, $75 for fourth and $50 for fifth.
Cooks who prefer something other than traditional barbecue may enter one or more of the contest’s specialty categories. Entries will be accepted for poultry, dessert, sauce, side dish and anything watermelon.
These contests are open to professional teams, Patio teams and members of the public. Participants do not need to rent a cooking space or prepare their entries on the Carnival grounds. Dishes may be made at home and delivered to the Chamber of Commerce tent behind Renasant Bank.
The fee is $25 per specialty entry, and cooks may submit more than one dish. There is no minimum age, so children and teenagers are welcome to enter alongside adult cooks.
Carnival visitors will also have an opportunity to take part through the returning Taster’s Choice competition. Spectators may sample barbecue from participating teams and cast a vote for the entry they enjoy most.
For many competitors, the Pork Attack is a serious contest. For others, it is a chance to share a family recipe, try something new or find out how their barbecue measures up. For Carnival guests, it offers another reason to follow the smoke toward City Park.
Entries must be submitted by noon Friday, July 24.
