Grand Champion!

Inwood, WV – September 7, 2013

This year the Pickin in the Panhandle moved to a new location in Inwood, West Virginia at a place called Shiley Acres. Moving an event to a new location is always a challenge, and this weekend was not without kinks. But the gorgeous weather in the panhandle of West-By-God-Virginia made up for any problems. It was a stunning weekend of clear skies, cool temperatures and even a little breeze. 37 teams were in attendance, and while a few of the top teams were down cooking at the Sam’s Club Regional in Chesapeake, we had quite a few powerhouse teams in the field including 2012 team of the year, 3Eyz and the 4:20 team who has been on fire.

After our turn ins, we sat down and realized we had really turned in some good food. We were especially excited about our ribs and brisket, and we were coming off a rare 2nd place call in Pork at New Holland. The awards were quite exciting, and suspenseful. When they started calling the top ten overall finishers, we had received 2 calls. A 1st in Ribs, and a 2nd in Pork. However, 4 teams received 3 calls, including Pop Pops who, while sleeping in his trailer, racked up two 1sts and a 3rd. It was anybody’s game. We fully expected to hear our names somewhere around 5th overall, but we continued not hearing our name. When they got to “Reserve Grand”, I still could not believe we had not heard our name. Fowl Butt (what a team name) was called for reserve, and we started getting real nervous!! Had we tanked Chicken and Brisket and ended up out of the top ten?? Were we actually about to hear our name for Grand???

Yes. Yes we were, and damn it feels good!

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