DINUBA – Things are heating up as the Dinuba Police Officers Association prepares to throw its first-ever barbecue cook-off.
On Sept. 19, the DPOA will be hosting its first Rib Competition and People’s Choice fundraiser at Rose Ann Vuich Park. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., up to 15 teams will show off their best rib recipes for a chance at some cash prizes and bragging rights.
Taking inspiration from the city’s annual BBQ and Brew Fest, and his own experiences with cook-off competitions, DPOA President Alexander Cordell aims to bring the community together while aiding the nonprofit.
“Honestly, I just want the community to come out and have a good time,” said Cordell in an interview. “Competing in a lot of these events, it seems like everyone who comes out has a good time and they meet new people a lot of the time.”
During the event, teams will be competing for one of four titles: grand champion, reserve champion, third place and the people’s choice champions. Competition meat will be provided by the DPOA courtesy of Quality Meats in Visalia, and the finished ribs will be judged by multiple panels of judges.
Judging panels will be made up of a mix of community members, sponsor representatives and professional-level judges from the Kansas City Barbecue Society. For the people’s choice champion, the winner will be decided by a popular vote recorded on attendee’s tickets.
Cordell said that while the BBQ and Brew Fest takes on a more official format that doesn’t allow for the public to sample competition entries, this event will.
“If you get to try eight-to-10 ribs, that’s a good portion of meat for 20 bucks, especially in this economy,” Cordell said. “I’m trying to work on the numbers right now so that attendees feel like they got a good amount of food in.”
Once the judging is all said and done, first place winners will receive a $1,500 prize, second place will receive $750 and third place will receive $350.
Alongside the cook-off, the Dinuba Lowrider Council will also be hosting a “Show and Shine” gathering with trophies, raffles, music and opportunities for family fun.
Council Vice President Joe Bueno said that the Show and Shine will be a less formal take on their typical car shows, with those interested only needing to show up and park, rather than register for a spot. The show is open to “anything with an engine,” and members of the council will be judging to give awards for the top 20 entries.
Combining good food and clean rides, Bueno said he’s excited to take part in an event that can benefit both the council and the DPOA.
“It’s going to be a good time for everybody,” said Bueno.
Those looking to support cook-off will have three tiers of sponsorship opportunities, being the $250 “Smoke Sponsor,” $500 “Pitmaster Sponsor” and $1,000 “Presenting Sponsor.” Teams wanting to compete will pay a $200 entry fee, and admission into the event will be $20.
The proceeds from the event will benefit the DPOA and its nonprofit work, including sports team sponsorships, local donation efforts and more. For additional information and details on event registration, the public is encouraged to call 559-754-6038.
