Grilling mania took over Lenexa’s Sar-Ko-Park Trails Park this weekend for the annual Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
Dating back to 1984, the contest is one of Kansas’ longest-running barbecue competitions and now serves as the official state championship for pit masters.
It started with just 12 teams. This year’s edition featured more than 150 entrants from around the KC metro and beyond, competing in categories like pork ribs, brisket and chicken.
This year’s Grand Champion was Gettin’ Basted from Nixa, Missouri, headed by chef Brad Leighninger.
The Reserve Grand Champion, or first runner-up, was Dr. Squealgood BBQ from Olathe, led by Nicholas Galligan.
And Third Place was given to JDQ BBQ of Lenexa, led by Josh DeWitt.
The Great Lenexa BBQ Battle has morphed into one of the city’s biggest annual events, stretching over two days and taking over the park on 87th Street Parkway.
On Friday, members of the public were able to sample free barbecue, while listening to live music and partaking in family-friendly games and activities, including bounce houses and face painting.
This year, the Oscar Mayer WienerMobile — a 27-foot-long hot dog-shaped vehicle — made an appearance.
Judging was done on Saturday, with winners announced in the late afternoon. Take a look at the final rankings in all categories here.
See more scenes from this year’s Great Lenexa BBQ Battle.
