Smoke on the Cedar brings BBQ contest to the Charles City riverfront

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

“Sweet and sassy. Straight forward, with no fuss.” That’s Hog Waller BBQ.

Michael Whitney called his ribs “sweet, tangy and unforgettable.”

Those were just two of the contestants at the Smoke on the Cedar BBQ Saturday in Charles City. Professional and amateur smokers participated in the St. Louis-style rib contest held near the bank of the Cedar River.

Eleven entrants vied for $1,300 in prize money in the certified Kansas City barbecue judging contest involving St. Louis-style ribs.

Michael Whitney and Adrienne Jones from Charles City were competing for the first time at the barbecue competition.

Jones lost her mother, Patricia, this year due to a heart attack, and she said one of her mother’s wishes was to open up a barbecue restaurant.

“We’re in the process of doing that now,” Jones said.

Jones and Whitney were competing under the label Pat’s BBQ LLC, in memory of Jones’ mother.

What sets Whitney’s ribs apart from the rest?

“Our signature taste in going to be in the rub,” he said.

Tender loving care doesn’t hurt either.

“In my opinion, it’s TLC. Cookin’ with love,” he said.

Joe Mathahs took first place in last year’s event as part of 2 Scubbas BBQ. He’s left that team and ventured out on his own this year.

Same rub – different name.

Mathahs’ entry this year was under Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ, from Mason City.

“I guess I had the judge’s sweet tooth last year. Hopefully I will again,” said Mathahs.

Apparently he did, as Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ earned the first-place trophy and $750 top cash prize. The team edged out runner-up 2 Sauced 2 Pork, also of Mason City. Hot Rod’s BBQ, of Clear Lake, placed third.

The Quality Auto Grill Team of Charles City garnered the most votes during the public sampling to win the People’s Choice trophy and $100 cash award.

Darin Tusler and Butt Master earned the $100 prize for best side dish or dessert with a pineapple dessert creation in the optional “Anything But …” contest between the BBQ teams. In all, $1,300 in cash prizes were awarded.

Mason City’s Steve Schmidt, with 2 Sauced 2 Pork, said his cinnamon toast crunch rub last year was not a crowd pleaser, and he and his son, Corey, finished near the bottom of the pack of 16 teams last year.

This year they kept it simple.

“I went back to some better commercial rubs I’ve used,” said Steve, en route to his second place finish.

Todd Smith, with Hog Waller BBQ out of Charles City, said he has competed in almost every BBQ challenge Charles City has had.

Smith was working on his pork ribs just after noon when the sun peeked through the clouds. He described what his game plan was to win the judges over – a side dish.

“We’re making peach cobbler,” said Smith.

Many of the contestants said they liked the laid-back feel to the pro-am event.

“I do it for fun,” said Smith.

Charles City Community Development Director Mark Wicks said the parking lot wasn’t as full as last year, but there was still a good mix of meat for the people who purchased tickets to sample the entries.

“You’ve got the big wagons and you’ve got the little cookers,” said Wicks.

“Thanks to all of our sponsors, barbecue teams, the public who bought tickets and especially our terrific volunteer committee who make great community events like this happen in Charles City,” said Wicks.