By Don Lowe

It’s once again time to fill the air in Nevada, Missouri, with the mouthwatering flavor and aromas from a fantastic Low and Slow BBQ KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) Master Series competition slated to take place later this month.

Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Shéree Gayman says this is a big deal “because it puts a regional spotlight on our community in a positive voice.”  once again time to fill the air in Nevada, Missouri, with the mouthwatering flavors and aromas from a fantastic Low and Slow BBQ KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) Master Series competition slated to take place later this month.

Competitions like this one are popular virtually everywhere; so, just what is KCBS? The www.kcbs.us website ‘About Us’ section indicates this is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbecue with the world’s largest group of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts that includes more than 20,000 members worldwide.

The website also says KCBS sanctions more than 500 barbecue contests worldwide and helps promote barbecue as America’s favorite cuisine.

This two-day affair in Nevada will start with what Gayman describes as “The ‘People’s Choice’ portion of the event. Who wouldn’t love to come out and judge some great barbecue?”

As for the feature attraction, Gayman confirms there will be “40 teams with anywhere from one to three people on each team.”

In determining the winners, Gayman explains, “A KCBS judge evaluates the barbecue in three different criteria: taste, appearance and texture.”

When all the smoke has settled and judging is completed, Gayman says, “There will be $4,500 in cash, trophies and ribbons” handed out to those teams that are selected as championship-caliber grilling gurus.

While the actual competition brings local residents and visitors together for a tasty two days, getting ready for it is a lengthy process. Gayman says, “Planning for this event is a year-long activity.

“There’s everything from location to recruiting KCBS teams, recruiting KCBS-sanctioned judges, plus prizes, electricity, team requests, etc. This list is long and must be pretty near perfect to pull it off.”

There’s plenty of help and support along the way with numerous individuals, businesses and organizations lending a hand to make it all possible. “The chamber of commerce board of directors plays a huge part in making this happen, along with our sponsors, such as Vernon County Commission, City of Nevada, Smithfield Foods and many others.”

Gayman is thrilled to be involved, and she says it’s exciting because “the Chamber is bringing this fun to town and spotlighting Nevada.”

Indeed, it should be a good time for all those who attend with a delightfully delectable selection of barbecue to enjoy.