The aroma of smoked meats and savory sauces filled the air as the Indiana Backyard BBQ Cookoff drew crowds of food lovers, friends, and families for a day of delicious competition and community spirit.
Hosted by Shoup’s, the annual event brought together talented contestants who, according to organizers, “brought the heat, the flavor, and a whole lot of hard work.” From early morning grill setups to the final plate, participants showcased not only their culinary skills but also a shared passion for great barbecue.
“We’re so proud of the effort our contestants put in,” Shoup’s said in a statement. “We hope everyone had fun spending the day with friends, family, and fellow BBQ lovers. We can’t wait to see you next year — and we hope you’ll bring friends to join the fun.”
The competition was judged by a panel of dedicated tasters who spent hours sampling entry after entry. Organizers extended special thanks to the judges for giving up their time—and their appetite—to crown this year’s winners. “Sitting for hours tasting BBQ isn’t for the faint of heart, but they handled it like pros,” the statement added.
Most importantly, Shoup’s expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, noting that the event’s success wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community.
Event photos courtesy of Shoup’s Country Foods.
