PORT ALLEN — Sixteen teams lined up their smokers last Saturday under the shade trees at the Oldies But Goodies Fest, turning in half chickens, racks of ribs and slabs of brisket for blind judging in what organizers say is the longest-running barbecue competition in Louisiana.
The BCA Championship Cook-Off, now in its 19th year, drew competitors from as far as Slidell, Lafayette, Marksville and parts of Mississippi and Alabama. But for Nakia White, chairman of the BCA board and pitmaster for Red White and Brew Barbecue, the turnout wasn’t enough.
That 25-team mark matters. Hitting it qualifies the contest as a feeder event for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, one of the most prestigious competition circuits in the country. White said heat, gas prices and scheduling likely kept some regulars home.
“We definitely have 10, 12, 13 people that are active members,” White said. “We want everyone to know that they can sign up by going to BCABBQ.org.”…