Say ‘cheese’ – BBQ contest adds new category

     The Iowa Grilled Cheese Championships will be the newest addition to the annual Wolken Dental BBQ Contest, part of the Great Jones County Fair on Sunday, July 22.

     Contest organizer Kevin Miller said the event has drawn competitors from six Iowa counties.

     “They’re all competitive, and they like the camaraderie and the chance to show their barbecue to the general public,” Miller said.

     While the new grilled cheese category will add even more “flavor” to the ever-growing contest, the event will still be full of the usual categories.       

     Categories and judging times include:

     • 1 p.m. – Burgers

     • 1:30 p.m. – Chicken

     • 2 p.m. – Pork Loin

     • 2:30 p.m. – Beef Ribs

     • 3 p.m. – Pork Ribs

     • 3:30 p.m. – Pizza

     • 4 p.m. – Iowa Grilled Cheese Championships

     • 4:30 p.m. – Brisket

     The event has a $10 entry fee per category (including the Grilled Cheese categories). Those who enter one of the barbecue categories may also enter the grilled cheese category for free.

     Each category pays $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place.

     There are two exceptions: the Grilled Cheese categories will pay $300 plus a trophy to the winners, and the Pizza category will pay $500 to the winner. In all, $3,400 in cash prizes will be offered.

     There is also an overall championship, which awards $300 and a trophy. Anyone who enters at least five categories is eligible for the overall championship; last year’s winner was Matt Behrends.

     The new grilled cheese category will have two divisions: Classic (bread, butter and real cheese) at 4 p.m., and “Anything Goes” (bread, butter, at least 60 percent real cheese and any other ingredients) at 4:15 p.m.

     Contestants will have 15 minutes to prepare their entries.

     The idea, Miller said, came from visiting the Wisconsin State Grilled Cheese Championships, which he said draws about 1,000 entries each year.

     “We went to it, and it was a fun atmosphere,” he said.

     The contest has been successful in a variety of ways. At least four former contestants, Miller said, have gone on to barbecue professionally.

     And, he said, “there will be a mix of as many certified judges as we could muster up.”

     For additional details or questions, contact Kevin Miller, BBQ Contest organizer, at 319-480-5555.