The Marc Gordon People’s Choice Award was created in honor of Marc Gordon, who was instrumental in starting the Kelly Thronson Memorial Backyard BBQ. Participants compete for the coveted traveling "pig" trophy and a year of bragging rights. The competition is free to enter; however, you must be competing in the rib and/or chicken contest.
The public is welcome to vote on their favorite entry from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. A $5 wristband must be purchased to cast a vote.
Past Winners:
2023 - Jerry Wohl
2022 - Tracy Pfaff
2021 - Matt Sorenson
2019 - Josh Bissell
Contest Rules:
A team may cook any type of food product: 51% of the product must contain a meat protein. Examples: Chicken wings, stuffed mushrooms, meat-wrapped vegetables or fruit, meat-filled pastries, etc.
You will be required to register for the contest and can do so the morning of or before the event. A contest representative will be allowed to inspect your protein to ensure it complies with State and/or Federal regulations. You will need to make your product on-site: no pre-made items are allowed. Example: jalapenos cut and stuffed before arriving at the contest.
A team will need to provide a minimum of 75-100 samples to be judged by other contestants and the community. The teams competing will be clearly marked, so people will know which team to visit. Teams are encouraged to serve as many reasonable samples above 75.
You will need to have a description of your product read and be able to explain the product and where the idea comes from.
To participate in the people's choice competition, a person or team must compete in the rib or chicken cook-off.
Votes will be tallied, and the winner will be announced before the official rib announcement.
Award: traveling Pig Trophy and bragging rights! If you cook for fun, you might as well show off your skills!