The American Royal – What can we say? This is the World Series and the Super-Bowl of BBQ all rolled into one. Teams from all over the
United States and Canada met in Kansas City for the 32nd American Royal BBQ contest September 29 –Oct 2, 2011.
This year the barbeque attracted more than 500 open teams and 135 invitational teams.
The best of the best KCBS teams, BBQ Pit masters and teams with the passion to compete, headed toward Kansas City for a BBQ showdown.
The Thursday before the Royal is always a special 
night. Teams were loading in and sitting up. Of course, there is always the traditional socializing with other teams. Gary, Aaron and Tammye were able to catch up and say hello to several teams that they have not seen in the past year. After seeing everyone, it was down to finishing the space set up with awnings and tables.
The weather for the event was also a true fall gem. What a beautiful weekend with sunny, calm days in the 70’s to the cool nights in the 50’s. Of course, with the beautiful weather, the crowds would also arrive.
This is SMT third year at the American Royal. In 
2009, SMT first American Royal was able to compete in the Invitation contest. SMT received a 4th place call in ribs, calls in sausage, beans, veggies, potatoes. We also received the first of our American Royal trophy for Reserved Grand Champion in Side Dishes. In 2010, SMT was blessed with a First Place call and a blue ribbon in Beans. Each year we have been blessed with a call in meat, sides or dessert categories.
On Friday night, SMT had the traditional team party. This year’s theme was the “Fall at the Royal” and our space was decorated with the “Royal” colors of gold and blue. Tammye’s gold pumpkins with blue ribbons 
seemed to be a big hit with the invited guests and other competing teams. A true celebration at the Royal would not be complete without several people dancing to the band next door courtesy of Santa. Even Tammye, with her knee, was out dancing. The end to a perfect evening was the fireworks over the AR building. The festival atmosphere was something not to be missed.
Approximately 120 family and friends joined us to celebrate another year of competing. This year’s menu consisted of: BBQ ribs, BBQ pulled pork, Nun’s famous Egg Rolls and Crab Rangoon, Cheesy Corn, Tracy’s wonderful Potato Salad (the best in the west), Baked Beans, and of course dessert. Sharon provided some wonderful cupcakes. Thank you to everyone who visited and supported SMT during the 2011 season.
On Saturday, this was American Royal Family Day. There were not any gun fights at the Royal Kid’s Korral but there were mutton bustin’, stick horse races, steer ropin’, potato sack races, a petting zoo and pony rides. Of course, Nick, our grandson, had to try the mutton bustin’. All of the grandkids had a blast.
Saturday afternoon was fast upon us and also brought the first turn-ins for SMT. Turn-ins consisted of: Veggies, Beans, and Potatoes and of course Dessert. A special Thank You to Nun and Tracy for all the walking to ensure our turn-ins were on time. Saturday was also meant getting the competition meat prepped and ready for competition.
The pre-dawn hours on Sunday at the Royal, you find the light haze of smoke rising, the smell of barbeque in the air, and teams checking their pits – it is Competition Day. This is truly a sight to behold and experience. This is our favorite time. 
As noon fasted approached, the team was busy checking the smoker and preparing for turn-ins. First up - Chicken. Although chicken this year has not been a strong category for SMT, Tammye did not disappoint. Chicken finished 60th. One of our strong turn-ins this year was Aaron with his ribs. The ribs tasted wonderful and finished 149th overall. Rod and his pork were up next. This year Rod purchased a Weber bullet to cook his pork to perfection. Pork finished at 335th. Time for Gary and brisket to step up to the plate. We thought the favor was there but not the tenderness we were hoping for. The brisket finished at 405. This was a true disappointment. Although we did not secure a call in any of the meat categories, it was truly an honor to spend the weekend with a great group of competitors’ and friends.
Awards - This year, Tammye proved she is one of the best in Desserts. In 2011, Tammye has received four (4) 180 scores for her desserts at different contests but has never received the “PERFECT 180”. Her dessert and The Royal did not disappoint. Tammye and SMT finally received the “PERFECT 180”. For those not familiar, all six judges must give all 9’s for presentation, taste, and tenderness. A “PERFECT 180” is truly rare. This is the highest score anyone can receive in a KCBS contest. The team received a trophy, blue ribbon and the convenient 180 pin.
We would like to send out our congratulations to Montely Que Crew, winner of the 32nd World Series of Barbecue Open Contest and Tippy Canoe BBQ, winner for the Invitatitional contest. See everyone next year!
Video and pictures will be posted shortly.