Nacogdoches Do Dat BBQ Competition offers fun, food

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - Pitmasters in Nacogdoches were pulling out their smokers and seasoning chicken, ribs and brisket for the Do Dat BBQ Competition on Saturday. All of the money raised benefited the Nacogdoches Area United Way.

35 teams gathered at the Nacogdoches Expo Center to compete. The public could pay $10 to enter the event and sample barbecue from each team.

Ronnie Henson, a chairman for Do Dat, said there are four categories each team can enter: chicken, ribs, brisket and jackpot beans.

“We’re a little bit different from normal barbecues because they aren’t competing for money, they are competing for bragging rights,” Henson said.

Around 50 judges will evaluate each category in the preliminary stage, then certain teams will move on to the finals where one team will be crowned champion of the category.

Richard Shade, chairman for Do Dat, said teams can also win other awards.

“We also have people’s choice and showmanship, so when you go around a lot of the booths will be decorated. Look for whoever is best decorated and who has the best food,” Shade said.

Caroline Garner, president and CEO of Nacogdoches Area United Way, said all the money raised goes back to the cause.

“The United Way supports 19 different agencies in Nacogdoches County in the areas of health, education and financial stability. So, all donations that come into the United Way in Nacogdoches County go right back out to these agencies to help our neighbors in need,” Garner said.

Richard Rosner is from Dallas and heard about the competition from his friends, who are local. They decided they wanted to compete.

“We have entered every category. Our brisket, we’re pretty simple with salt, pepper and garlic. The ribs and chicken is more of a, starts out a little sweet and ends with a little kick of cayenne and stuff like that,” Rosner said.

Nicholas Clark and his team all went to SFA and attended the competition all throughout college. They now have their own team and compete every year.

“It’s just great to do something for the community and to be able to honor the Do Dat history,” Clark said.

The event also had live music and kid play areas.

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