CBCA brings national attention to
Clayton with KCBS Rib Cookoff

What started out as a modest membership drive in the backyard of the Clayton Club six years ago, this year moved out onto Main Street and into the big leagues.

The Clayton Business and Community Association’s Annual Rib Cook-off last Saturday boasted 48 entries judged by professional judges certified by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Several locals who attended the KCBS all-day judging certification class in May were among the judges that awarded cash prizes to winners for the best chicken, the best pulled pork and the best ribs. Other judges traveled from Oakley, Clovis and Southern California.

CBCA member and recently KCBS certified judge Wendy Moore was surprised how difficult judging can be. Judges award points based on very strict rules set by KCBS, disqualifying any that don’t meet the exacting standards. “It’s unbelievably intense,” Moore said.

There were at least four winners in three categories in both the amateur and professional division for each ribs, chicken and pulled pork. Clayton based Bad Dads headed by Alan Bender walked away with the Grand Champion prize.

The team from Grocery Outlet in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center won second prize of $250 in the amateur rib division. Owners Darrell and Tami Smith promptly donated the check back to the CBCA.

An estimated 3500-4000 people turned out to munch on ribs provided by Bonehead Texas BBQ and Sloe Hand BBQ.  Much to the disappointment of many, rib sales by contestants was prohibited by the health department.

Event chair, Rory Richmond said attendance surpassed projections. “We had food for 1500 and ran out of everything.”

Next up for the CBCA is the annual Oktoberfest, Oct. 1-2.  The CBCA mounts the community events as fundraisers. Profits are returned to the community in the form of grants, donations and scholarships.  For membership information, go to www.claytoncbca.org or call the office at (925) 672-2272.