SMT was one of a few teams for the first ever barbecue contest inside the gates Worlds 
of Fun theme park for the Smokin Coasters BBQ contest. What a unique experience to be inside the park with all of the other BBQ teams. The contest was presented by the Great American BBQ and Worlds of Fun. What a great way to get you feeling that summer was over and starting thinking about fall.
On Friday, Worlds of Fun was closed to the public which gave all the teams time to enter the park without all the crowds. As you came into the park, we were greeted with the sights and sounds of fall. The park was decorated pumpkins, hay bales, and corn stalks. What an experience to be able to drive in the middle of park. We were all surprised how much the park has changed over the years.
After looking around for a few minutes, it was time to get to work. The first line of business was to get the awning set up, rain was on the way. Not long after the team set up, the first rain storm had arrived. The Worlds of Fun Park employees was there to help with anything we needed. They made us feel right at home.
The weather on Friday night created our first challenge. The rain started early evening and did not let up for several hours. The next challenge we faced was the river of water running through our site. The WOF team was out in the rain to see if there was anything they could do to help us out. Around seven, WOF provided appetizers for all the teams which gave everyone time to take a break before the contest. This also provided us with a break from the river. Even with all the rain, the park was beautiful inside with all the lights.
Saturday morning was beautiful fall day. The park was quite and the smell of BBQ was in the air. All of the teams were busy getting things ready for the contest and to handle the public. A long day for all of us was about to begin. This was our last chance to walk the park without all of the crowds.
SMT was expecting family and friends to spend the day in the park with us. Grand kids, nieces, nephews, family and friends stopped by to say hi but did not stay long; the rides were calling their names. Kayla had to let us know that she was going to ride every ride in the park. Looked like Mitchell and Debby were in for a long day making sure they hit every ride. For Dakota, Katie, Nick, Alex and Kasey, this was their first time in the park. The look on their faces was well worth it and made each of remember what family is all about.
As an added benefit to being inside park, SMT was able interact with the public. We were all amazed by all the questions we had from the public. We enjoyed answering all the questions regarding how BBQ contest 
is run, our favorite foods to BBQ and anything else the public wanted to know. Another added benefit was to let the public taste competition BBQ. At times it took all of us to answer questions and serve up some great BBQ.
We would like to thank Worlds of Fun, their employees and the Great American for a barbecue contest that we will not soon forget.