The sweet smell of BBQ smoke filled the air as twenty-four teams competed Saturday in the 14th Annual Port Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department BBQ Cook-Off. Rain threatened much of the day, but the competitors stayed in a festive mood – the pits were hot and the beverages were cold. Three categories were contested: Beans, Ribs, and Brisket, with trophies (and bragging rights) going to the winners. Cash prizes were also given in the Brisket category. Fire Department volunteers served up BBQ dinners and delicious desserts to hundreds of visitors.

by BJ Jewell:
Thanks so much for covering our Volunteer’s Annual cookoff. This was a record year for teams, with 21 teams participating in all three categories (Beans, Ribs and Brisket) and 4 more teams participating in either the Beans competion or the Ribs competition. Even though the weather got us at times, everyone had a blast and many will be back next year. The winners are still holding their trophies proudly. The auction was a hugh sucess. We would like to thank all of our sponsors that donated either to the auction or gave us a donation to offset the cost of all the food that was prepared. Thanks to all that donated a dessert, we had some amazing ones. A big thanks to all the volunteers that helped for days preparing the food that was served.

A couple of our Volunteers, Billy Bouse and Curtis Comeaux had very little sleep as they cooked over 40 briskets, a bunch of chicken and cases and cases of sausage. Our President, Robert Barrow, spent many of hours on the road trying to get the best prices for us and not only was he in the cookoff, but we had him running around as well. Nancy Comeaux, Debbie Comeaux and Patty Strimple spent hours trying to get the building spruced up with a new paint job in the kitchen and the main part of the station. The day of the cookoff had our volunteers going crazy and we thank all of them for helping. Our former fire Chief Charles Ray Bouse did a wonderful job as our auctioner, helping us raise over $15,000. Ms. Jane Ewing always does such a wonderful job keeping us together and selling tickets for us. Ms. Nellie Kahla and Mrs. Teresa Strimple always do a great job handling desserts and this year they brought in $500.00. I think our fire chief Malcolm Comeaux did not know that he could go in so many directions at once. I, had the best job, I was able to run around on the golfcart and take care of the cookoff teams, what a fun way to spend the weekend. So all in all, it was a successful weekend and we thank all of you.

First Place - Brisket, Team: PJ's Smokehouse

Second Place - Brisket, Team: Vato Loco

Third Place - Brisket, Team: Peninsula Marine

First Place - Ribs, Team: PJ's Smokehouse

Second Place - Ribs, Team: Meat Slingin' Croc-O-Dogs #2

Third Place - Ribs, Team: Meat Slingin' Croc-O-Dogs #1

First Place - Beans, Sheila Porter

Second Place - Beans, Team: Just Clowning Around

Third Place - Beans, Team: PJ's Smokehouse

Showmanship Award, Team: Meat Slingin' Croc-O-Dogs

Banner donated to the Port Bolivar VFD by Team Goat Island Fire Department

Nancy Bouse presents a bouquet of roses to Debbie Comeaux in honor of her courageous fight against cancer

Special recognition to former Fire Chief Charles Bouse for his years of service

Judges corner