BBQ Rules in Frisco this June
If you think things are heating up in the Summit County High Country, it just may be due to the competition firing up grills and smokers for the Colorado BBQ Challenge in historic Frisco, CO. For the 24th year, Frisco will be the headquarters for good-natured competition for more than 70 skilled participants to display their BBQ skills and flavors for all comers.
Frisco will welcome all competitors, entertainers, and visitors June 15-17 for a wide range of activities and tastings that will not soon be forgotten.
History of the Colorado BBQ Challenge
Frisco first hosted the challenge in 1993 with an initial competition of 12 teams, comprised of both professional and amateur talents. From the humble beginnings in Frisco’s town park, the Colorado BBQ Challenge migrated to Frisco’s historic Main Street, encompassing two full blocks for competitors and merchandise booths.
Today, more than 30,000 visitors find over six blocks of Main Street filled with chefs demonstrating their techniques and talents, live music entertainment, merchandise vendors, and more.
This is not just a casual competition, although one goal is to raise money for a number of worthy non-profit organizations. This is an event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, well-known for judging sanctioned events throughout the country. Winners of Frisco’s Colorado BBQ Challenge are certified as eligible to compete in the “World Series” of BBQ – the American Royal.
BBQ Challenge Schedule of Events
Colorado BBQ Challenge kicks off on Thursday, June 15, although the first day is a non-competition schedule. Thursday includes an outdoor concert to kick off the event and get everyone ready for the challenge to follow.
Friday and Saturday are full-on challenge days, with chefs of all skill levels creating taste treats in a number of BBQ categories:
- Pork
- Ribs
- Chicken
- Brisket
- Anything Goes
- BBQ Sauce
- Side Dish
- Dessert
Friday includes visitors’ first chance to dig into the culinary offerings of the chefs, and several other activities for the whole family:
- Pig races – a long-time family favorite
- Live music performances
- Chef demonstrations
- Breckenridge Distillery Whiskey “Rub It, Smoke It, Sip It” BBQ Tour, a limited-ticket tour that includes participant chef’s techniques and secrets.
Saturday continues tasting and judging of challengers’ specialties and additional activities for all event visitors:
- Live music continues
- Pig Races
- Blue Star Firefighter Cook-off
- Awards ceremony for challenge winners
- BBQ happy hour in Frisco – local restaurants keep the good times and fun rolling with special beverage and menu offerings that are bound to please all visitors.
A primary event on Saturday, runners of all skill levels gather to compete or simply participate in the Bacon Burner 6K, a 3.8 mile run for all ages. There are three separate waves for every level, including competitive runners, average runners, and family jog/walk participants.
Frisco Inn on Galena – Headquarters for the Colorado BBQ Challenge
Just a few easy steps from Frisco’s historic Main Street – coincidentally the location for the BBQ Challenge – are your perfect choice for Frisco lodging. Frisco Inn on Galena is a boutique bed and breakfast with a total commitment to guest comfort and the opportunity to “Relax, Reconnect, Recreate, and Rejuvenate.”
Enjoy the many activities of the Colorado BBQ Challenge, then retreat to the comfort and relaxation and many amenities of the Frisco Inn on Galena. Before heading to the challenge, enjoy a gourmet-quality breakfast prepared by our in-house chefs including made-to-order espresso, daily breakfast specialties such as frittata, casseroles, or other fresh dishes, signature Belgian waffles, custom-made omelets, fresh fruit, pastries, and more.
Enjoy our afternoon appetizers and wines for a happy hour away from the BBQ challenge. Take a break in our game room or relax on the sun deck with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. Each room is well furnished with such amenities as flat-screen televisions, and free WiFi is available throughout the inn.
Frisco Inn on Galena is your perfect headquarters for the Colorado BBQ Challenge, with accommodations and staff that will keep you coming back.
