The second annual “Wild West BBQ Bash” in Preisker Park on Saturday drew more than 2,000 spectators for a day of competitive grilling and live entertainment, while raising money and awareness for the Family Care Network, a provider of support services to foster and high-needs children and families in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
A group of 27 barbecue teams from the Central Coast, California and the West Coast faced off for the overall winner title.
After the smoke settled, the Santa Ynez BBQ team won the grand champion award in the International Barbecue Cookers Association-sanctioned contest. The Left Coast Q team claimed the reserve champion title.
Teams were able to compete in five categories: pork spare ribs, chicken, beef brisket, pork shoulder/butt, and beef tri-tip.
In the tri-tip category, local teams were well-represented, with Team Nipomo Style claiming first place, followed by Custom Tri-Tip BBQ of Santa Maria. Sixth place in the category went to Santa Maria’s Outlaws Chow-Line. Santa Maria natives were part of the Poppa Naps BBQ and Smokin’ Yankees BBQ teams that finished third and fifth, respectively.