What is Sizzling in Kansas City
People have heard about the Baseball World Series, but have they heard about the American Royal World Series of Barbecue?
Senior Elesia Guerra and Aquinas alum Cole Guerra pose as they enter the event.
October 13, 2022
Eating perfectly cooked barbecue and listening to live music is part of what makes Kansas City special. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is held in Kansas City at the Kansas Speedway. From across the world, competitors take part in the world’s largest barbecue competition.
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue was held from September 28 to October 2. When entering the stands to get down to the event, immediately, there were multifarious tents that showed just how big this event was. The atmosphere was lively with music playing and people enjoying delightful food with friends. It was a once in a lifetime experience getting to walk on the Kansas Speedway track because it is most likely something I will not get a chance to do again.
On Friday, September 30, I went to the American Royal World Series of Barbecue with my family. I found out about this occasion through my dad’s work, Triumph Foods, hosting a private party in Pit Garage C. The Prairie Fresh private party served flavorful barbecue and had tasting stations scattered around with food made by a chef and different barbecue places. The tasting stations included Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, Melissa Cookston with Memphis BBQ Co., Jason Ganahl with GQue, and Brad Orrison and Brooke Orrison-Lewis with The Shed BBQ. One of the tasting stations was a mouth watering pork chop sandwich. The barbecue provided brisket, pulled pork, barbecue ribs, and more. This barbecue smelled divine, full of a tangy barbecue flavor. The private party was high-spirited with the D.J. and live music to keep the energy alive throughout the night. Whether trying new delicious foods, dancing to the music or enjoying each other’s company, people were all around us having a great time.
The American Royal World Series of Barbecue doesn’t just hold an event with delicious food. The money that they raised that weekend goes to their mission of supporting youth and education in agriculture. Kansas City has helped with this mission by holding this event and raising awareness to make it a big event. Kansas City has been the perfect place to hold this traditional event because barbecue is at the heart of Kansas City.
