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BBQ Cordell organizer Mike Reimer, left, with Cordell’s first-ever sliced brisket champion David Miller. Photo courtesy of Amanda Reimer. -
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After the smoke cleared and the judges voted, the inaugural BBQ Cordell Sliced Brisket Championship went in the books with David Miller picking up the title as Cordell’s first brisket champion.
What was supposed to be a $200 first prize for Miller turned into $500 when an anonymous donor contributed the cash to create a bigger prize. As a result, the $200 prize was awarded to Linda Harbin for second place, sponsored by Mike’s Meats. Miller also picked up a $50 gift card to Mike’s, sponsored by The Cordell Beacon.
“Cooking sliced brisket is not an easy thing to do, especially in the pressure of a competition,” said event organizer Mike Reimer. “Seeing everyone gather under the pavilion visiting and waiting for the results was great, but my favorite part was seeing the smiles on the winners’ faces during the awards. BBQ Cordell gave out $750 in prize money to the competitors this year. It was a great evening!”
Dozens of area residents turned out at Cordell Park Saturday, July 13, to sample competition briskets and enjoy grilled burgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork sandwiches while enjoying the company of friends, family, and neighbors.
The Cordell Fire Department showed up in force to help manage the dunking tank, provided by the Cordell soccer league, and to raffle off a Green Mountain pellet grill. Robert Venable took the grill home with the winning ticket. Cordell’s cheerleaders also showed up to help with the event with face painting.
“It was great to see this community come together for a friendly competition and block party,” said organizer Steve Mc-Laughlin. “I want to personally thank the Cordell Fire Department and the Cordell cheerleaders and their advisers Tiffani Gallagher and Alisa Boecker for coming out to help us make this happen. Of course, an event isn’t an event without people being a part of it, so another round of thanks to everyone who came, who competed, and who helped make this such a success.”
“We’re definitely going to do this again,” said event organizer Mike Reimer. “For a first-ever contest this went really, really well. We’ve had nothing but positive feedback from the community. Thanks to all of our sponsors and we are already looking forward to the next one.”
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