REGISTRATION

• Early registration ends May 1st, if registration and payment is not received prior to May 1st your registration will be void and no early registration discounts will be given

• Cutoff for registration is 5pm on May 8th, no registrations will be accepted after the Captains Meeting.

CHECK-IN

Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Chief Cook’s Meeting: Friday at 5:00 PM at the Judge’s Trailer

No more registrations will be accepted after 5pm

CATEGORIES & TURN-IN TIMES

Turn-in window is 20 minutes before to 10 minutes after the posted time. Late entries will not be accepted.

FRIDAY

• Margaritas – 5:00 PM (judged during Captain’s Meeting; winner announced immediately)

Each team is encouraged to provide one judge for margarita judging; however, participation is optional.

• Sausage – 6:00 PM

• BBQ Sauce – 6:00 PM

• Open (Any item cooked on the pit. Garnish is allowed in this category only) – 7:00 PM

SATURDAY

• Chicken – 1:00 PM

• Beans – 2:00 PM

• Pork Ribs (no baby back ribs allowed) – 3:00 PM

• Brisket – 5:00 PM

SHOWMANSHIP

2026 theme is USA Patriotic

Free to enter (must register at check-in).

Judging will take place Saturday between 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

PAYOUTS & AWARDS

Friday category winners will be announced Friday at approximately 8:00 PM. Saturday category winners will be announced Saturday at approximately 7:00 PM on the Main Stage at the Pavilion.

• 80% of entry fees paid out.

• Overall Grand Champion will be determined based on Chicken, Pork Ribs, and Brisket scores.

• The Overall Grand Champion will receive awards only (trophy, prizes, etc.). No additional cash payout will be awarded beyond individual category winnings.

• Places paid based on number of entries in each category.

• Top 5 Showmanship teams will receive prizes or trophies.

GENERAL COOK-OFF RULES

1.      All meat entries must be cooked on site.

2.      Meats are subject to inspection prior to seasoning and cooking.

3.      All meat categories must be cooked with wood or wood products.

4.      Official turn-in containers will be provided by BBQ Cook-Off staff and must be used for all categories. Lost containers will not be replaced.

5.      Fires must be in fireboxes (not on the ground).

6.      Cooking areas must be kept clean and sanitary.

7.      Beans may include additional ingredients; however, beans must be the primary component.

8.      Open category must be cooked on the pit.

9.      Generators are permitted.

10.  Assigned spaces are for cook teams only.

11.  No stakes or rods driven into paved areas.

12.  Music must be kept at a reasonable level.

13.  Teams must clean their area before leaving.

14.  Decisions of judges and officials are final.

15.  Officials reserve the right to make additional rules as needed.

16.  All vehicles must be moved from the cooking area by 4:30 PM, unless prior approval has been given.

MEAT SPECIFIC CATEGORY RULES

·        Brisket – Six (6) full-width slices, approximately 1/4” to 3/8” thick. Brisket may be trimmed prior to cooking. Fat cap may be trimmed or removed before placing slices in the turn-in tray.

·        Pork Spare Ribs – Six (6) individual bone-in ribs. St. Louis cut acceptable. (No baby back ribs allowed). Ribs must be placed in the tray meat side up. Ribs should be arranged neatly in the tray (placement is at the team’s discretion).

·        Chicken - One (1) half chicken, fully jointed (including breast, wing, thigh, and drumstick). Skin must be intact. Cornish hens are not permitted.

·        Sausage – Sausage may be brought in raw or pre-cooked; however, it must be heated on site prior to turn-in.

·        Sauce is allowed on meat entries but may not be pooled or puddled in the bottom of the tray. No garnish allowed.

MARGARITA CATEGORY RULES

·        All participants must be 21 or older.

·        Must be served on the rocks (no frozen).

·        Must contain tequila.

·        Judged on taste and presentation.

·        Turn in (container and glass provided):

·        32 oz margarita for sampling & 1 margarita glass for presentation

·        Margaritas will not have a cash payout. Winners will receive prizes, and the overall winner will receive Gedenke Beer Tokens. Winners will be announced immediately at the Captains’ Meeting.

LIABILITY

The Weimar Gedenke BBQ Cook-Off and its officials are not responsible for theft, damage, or injury.