Ribs
Low, slow, and saucy. The backyard classic.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
HolySmokes
BBQ Competition & Parish Picnic
Good smoke, good company, and a champion crowned by the whole parish.
- When
- Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Time
- Gates open 2:00 PM
- Where
- Upper lot by the rectory
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The afternoon
What to expect
A free afternoon of smoke, music, and friendly competition — for the whole parish.
Free admission
No tickets, no entry fee. Just bring your appetite and the family.
Four categories
Ribs, brisket, chicken, and a wide-open wildcard — judged by you.
Live people's-choice voting
Scan a QR code, taste your way around, and vote for your favorites from your phone.
Family-friendly
Bounce house, music, and games for the whole family.
Bring the heat
The four categories
Enter one category or all four — no team required. A winner is crowned in each, plus a Grand Champion for the best all-around showing.
Brisket
The overnight-fire test of patience and bark.
Chicken
Juicy, smoky, and harder than it looks.
Wildcard
Anything off the smoker — burnt ends, tri-tip, you name it.
For pitmasters
Thinking of entering?
Everything a pitmaster needs to know before firing up the smoker.
When can we start cooking?
Setup opens Saturday, July 25 after 5:00 PM on the upper lot. Cooking can begin then too — overnight smokes are welcome (and a few of us will be kicking them off).
How long do we have to prepare?
From Saturday evening all the way through Sunday afternoon. Long cooks like brisket usually go on Saturday night; just aim to have your food ready to share when gates open at 2:00 PM Sunday.
What time is serving and judging?
Gates open at 2:00 PM — aim to have tasting portions ready around then. Judges walk the lot roughly 2:00–3:30 PM, winners are announced around 3:45–4:00 PM, and tastings continue until about 6:00 PM with games and social time. There's also a people's-choice award — attendees vote on their phones via QR codes on site.
Is there a required meat, or is it open?
Three categories set the protein — Ribs, Brisket, and Chicken. The fourth, Wildcard, is wide open: cook anything off the smoker. Enter one category or all four.
Do I need my own smoker and gear?
Yes — bring your own smoker, fuel, and tools. The upper-lot gravel area is set up for open flame, and electrical hookups are available. Plan to bring your own water.
Do I need a team to enter?
Not at all. Most folks cook solo — just you and your smoker. You're welcome to bring family or a friend to lend a hand, but a one-person entry is completely normal.
Does it cost anything to compete?
No entry fee at all. And to help cover the meat, the Knights of Columbus reimburse up to $50 per cook — just save your receipts and turn them in to get paid back for what you buy.
How much should I cook?
This is our first year, so we're learning together. Plan on small tasting portions — enough for people to sample without filling a plate. We'll provide small serving bowls so guests can walk the stations and try a taste from each booth. Serve as much or as little as you like.
Will sides, plates, and utensils be provided?
Yes. An all-star crew is bringing sides — pasta salad, slaw, baked beans, cornbread, watermelon, and more. We'll also provide utensils, napkins, and plates, so you can focus on the smoke.
Can someone help haul my grill?
Ian has arranged a trailer to help pick up and transport grills. If you'd like to be on the pickup circuit, text or email Ian (or send us a note via Ask a question).
Are there shirts for cooks?
Yes — commemorative shirts for participants while supplies last. If you sent us your size, you're covered. Once you arrive, find Ian or Sean to claim yours.
How do we handle trash and hot coals?
Garbage cans will be around the lot. For hot coals, use the metal trash bin(s) we'll have set out — please don't put coals in the regular cans.
When do grills need to be off the lot?
Grills and smokers need to be off the lot by the end of Sunday cleanup (around 6:00 PM). If you need to leave gear longer or make other arrangements, contact Ian or Sean ahead of time so we can plan with you.
Still have a question?
Fire up the smoker. Bring the family.
Signups open in June — enter on your own or rope in a buddy. Want to compete, or just want to know when to show up? Check back soon; the smoke clears July 26.