Attendees Go Hog Wild in Frisco, Colo.

July 3, 2012 - PRLog -- FRISCO, Colo., June 26, 2012 – The Frisco Colorado BBQ Challenge organizers set a record for number of attendees during this year’s Colorado BBQ Challenge. “Setting new records and receiving high accolades from Kansas City BBQ Society, makes all the hard work worthwhile” stated Nora Gilbertson, Town of Frisco Event Manager.

The Frisco Colorado BBQ Challenge, a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) competition hosted 67 BBQ competitors who competed for $17,000 in prizes. Top awards went to Grand Champion Q Pig BBQ from Pueblo, Colo. and Reserve Grand Champion Fly Boy BBQ from Bailey, Colo. Winners were selected by 77 certified judges adhering to strict KCBS rules.  Attendees selected Rat’s Wood Shack as their favorite with a notable second went to long standing local competitor Bonnie B Que, Doug Pierce from Arapahoe Café in the TV 8 People’s Choice competition. KCBS Founder Ardie Davis named the Frisco Colorado BBQ Challenge as one the top five barbecues in the country. in the same league as the American Royal, the Jack Daniel’s invitational and Memphis in May.

This year’s Colorado barbecue challenge included free concerts, pig races, a fire juggler, the Bacon Burner 5k, the Whiskey Tour, and chef demonstrations. These festival elements helped account for the 16% increase in attendance for an estimated 33,000 people. The Bacon Burner 5k attracted more than 300 runners in its first year. The race showcased the beautiful recreation paths along Dillon reservoir and treated runners to a bacon aide station. Thursday’s kickoff concert featured Motet and drew a crowd of 4,000. The Rub it, Smoke it, Sip it Breckenridge Distillery Whiskey tour sold out in three weeks and whiskey goers are already looking forward to purchasing tickets for next year’s event.

The Frisco Colorado BBQ Challenge is more than just BBQ. Frisco raised money and awareness for six local non- profit who received over $40,000 in funds in exchange for organizational and volunteer support. The 19th Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge non- profit partners were Advocates for Victims of Assault, Summit County Restaurant Association, High Country Conservation Center, Summit Independent Business Alliance, Mountain Mentors and Women of the Summit. In addition to the direct support, the event provided a platform for fourteen non-profits to raise $32,000 through vending.

The Colorado BBQ Challenge requires over 10% of our community to volunteer. Serving the needs of 33,000 people requires over 376 volunteers, twenty coordinators, and Town of Frisco staff including special efforts by the Police and Public Works. “The success of the event is partly dependent on the efforts of our volunteers and we want to thank each and everyone for their continued support every year,” said Suzanne Lifgren, Town of Frisco Marketing/Communications Director.