The scent of grilled meat hung in the air, as competitors arrived in Langley from across North America to determine whose cooking would triumph.
The Canadian Festival of Chili and Barbecue touched down in the parking lot of Langley’s Cascades Casino on May 5 and 6, with more than 30 teams vying for the victory.
The barbecue circuit includes a number of competitions that see teams try to sway judges.
The Canadian Festival of Chili and Barbecue has been around since a cook off in 1987, and has been held at the Cascades for the past several years.
This year’s champs included J.D. and Rhana McGee of Wine Country Q as grand champions of the barbecue competition, Spencer Watts won the Canadian Steak Cookoff Association award.
The Chili Appreciation Society International award went to Mike Waldron of Fat Wally’s Firehouse BBQ.
Pat Maddock of Mad Dog’s BBQ won best home style chili, Kevin Legge of Big Dog BBQ was the B.C. Burger champion, and Dave Bock of Smokin’ Bocks BBQ won the BC Chef’s Challenge.
This year’s event in Langley raised more than $6,500 for the Firefighters Burn Fund, and will contribute to sending kids who have suffered burns to summer camp.
