Get cracking on the grills, Back Yard BBQ Cook-Off coming!
July 18, 2011
By Mike Weland

"Border" Bob Hovish and his custom grill.
Bob Hovish, recently retired but now busier than ever doing what he loves in the personna of grill-master Border Bob, a familiar fixture at just about every community get together region-wide, is looking for all the back-yard barbecuers he can find to compete in the first ever Bonners Ferry Back Yard Barbecue Cookoff, to take place at the Boundary County fairgrounds Saturday, September 10.

"I don't want any ringers," he said. "I'm looking strictly for back yard chefs, those folks famous in their families for summer cookouts and fun."

Those folks will be competing for ribbons, trophies, and, if all goes well, cash prizes, along with bragging rights and the potential of a great many more guests when they next fire up their grill.

Though much of the planning and detail work for the event is still underway, Bob said the interest shown thus far has been remarkable.

"Everybody I've talked to has been enthusiastic and a lot of help," he said. "I already have a lot of people wanting to compete, and people working with me to help find sponsors and support. I'm getting pretty excited!"

He is, of course, looking for all the talented back-yard barbecue mavens he can find ... the more the better. They'll be competing in one or any number of categories; chicken, beef, ribs and steak, graded and judged by a panel of "experts" on appearance, texture and taste.

And by expert, the prime qualification is a love of eating!

Already, Bonners Ferry Police Chief Rick Alonzo and assistant Chief Joel Minor have offered their culinary expertise, as have court bailiff Ron Sukenik, JoJo Baker and myself.

"We will need more judges," Bob said. "If all goes as planned, there's going to be a lot of judging to do, and I don't think just a few people will be able to eat that much!"

The Bonners Ferry Back Yard Barbecue Cookoff starts at noon and runs until 6 p.m., and everyone with a grill and the skill is invited to pack up the barbecue, the briquettes, the meats and the special and no-doubt secret recipes and ingredients with which to wow the judges and win some great prizes.

Entry fee is $10 per entree category or $25 to enter all four ... and only those who enter all four will be in the running for the most prestigious title of all, Back Yard Barbecue Grand Champion.

To find out more or to pitch in and help, give Bob a call, (208) 597-3349, or shoot him an email, borderbobsbbq@aol.com.