By Marilyn Miller

The smells and tastes of grilled meat brought crowds to downtown Minden Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, 2024 for the annual Grilling on Main festival and competition.

Scotty Bryce and the East Texas Smokers claimed the title of Grand Champion in the BCA competition, smoking the mandatory brisket, ribs and chicken. Reserve Grand Champion honors went to Jason White and Cajun Juju.

First through tenth ranked finishers in Brisket were as follows: Scotty Bryce, East Texas Smokers; Josh Mitchell and Italians Do It Better; Jason White and Cajun Juju; Gerry Vallee and Vallee AC Cold Smoke; AJ George and Okie Folks BBQ; Howard Suggs and Shake a Bone BBQ; Mike Steele and Pigs & Cows Gone Wild; Joe Weaver and Minden Rocks BBQ; Kevin Barker and Nonc Do-Doos BBQ; Code Delaney and C-4-Que.

In Brisket, local winners were Joe Weaver and Minden Rocks BBQ, first; David Hamlin and Code Blue Smoke, second; and John Miller and Rollin Smoke, third.

First through tenth ranked finishers in Ribs were as follows: Scotty Bryce and East Texas Smokers; Jason White and Cajun Juju; AJ George and Okie Folks BBQ; Gerry Vallee and Vallee AC Cold Smoke; Mike Steele and Pigs & Cows Gone Wild; Brady Baudin and Sweet Bayou BBQ; Bob Zannini and Galaxy BBQ; Mike Bryce and Pokin’ & Smokin’ BBQ; Micah Boudreaux and Bou-Kite BBQ; Donnie Irby and Fresh Kutz.

In Ribs, local winners were Donnie Irby and Fresh Kutz, first; Ryan McNeil and Bearded Que, second; and Slade Frith and The Q Crew, third.

First through tenth ranked finishers in Chicken were as follows: Duane Anderson and Real Smoke BBQ; Bob Zannini and Galaxy BBQ; Mike Bryce and Pokin & Smokin’ BBQ; Cody Delaney and C-4-Que; Brady Baudin and Sweet Bayou BBQ, Jason White and Cajun Juju; Mike Steele and Pigs & Cows Gone Wild; Scotty Bryce and East Texas Smokers; Gerry Vallee and Vallee AC Cold Smoke; Howard Suggs and Shake a Bone BBQ.

In Chicken, local winners were Slade Frith and The Q Crew, first; Joe Weaver and Minden Rock BBQ, second; and Scott McCullough and BTI Smokers, third.

The total winner payout for the competition was $10,000, according to Main Street Director Taylor Wren.

The weekend featured activities for Lil Grillers, a Cornhole Tourney, live music, fireworks on Friday evening, shopping vendors, a Kidz Zone, and a People’s Choice tasting on Saturday morning.