Hundreds of Lassen County residents enjoy the best barbecue in the region at last year’s barbecue competition. So if you’re looking for some low and slow barbecue — chicken, pork ribs, pork roast and beef brisket — then Lassen Senior Services’ third annual Barbecue Competition Saturday, Aug. 19 is the place for you. The event, which benefits LSS and the services it provides to Lassen County seniors, also includes barbecue tasting, live music, craft vendors, a playland for children, a classic car show, beer and wine and raffles. For more information, call Penny Artz at 257-2113. File photos

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Barbecue competition benefits Lassen County seniors

August 17, 2017August 15, 2017 Sam Williams, Managing Editor

Local residents have an opportunity to enjoy some of the best barbecue this side of Kansas City and support Lassen County seniors between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 19 when Lassen Senior Services hosts its third annual BBQ Competition at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.

The first cook-off was held in the Tractor Supply parking lot, but the event moved to the Lassen County Fairgrounds last year. As in the first two years, proceeds benefit LSS and its mission to provide services to Lassen County residents.

Make no mistake about it — this is a real barbecue competition. This year’s event includes 15 competitors (some just for tasting but many entered into the prestigious competition) and is officially sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society and is a Team of the Year qualifier for the California BBQ Association. Trained expert judges will rank the pitmasters, and local attendees will be able to sample barbecue from all the competitors and cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. Some of the teams are local and some have come from across the region. And don’t look now, but the winner may even have a shot at qualifying to participate in the KCBS’ national competition.

The event also includes craft vendors, raffles, beer and wine from Lassen Ale Works and the Diamond Mountain Casino, a bounce house and water slide for little ones and a classic car show.

Mike McCourt, one of Lassen County’s most unique songwriters and guitarists, appears at Lassen Senior Services’ third annual Barbecue Competition at noon Saturday, Aug. 19.

Live music begins at 11 a.m. at the Pregill Stage with Studded Jules, one of Lassen County’s premier bands known for its musicianship and fine harmony vocals. Singer/songwriter Mike McCourt appears at noon, Westwood bluegrass band Stone and Straw appears at 1 p.m. and local favorites the Jammers appear at 2 p.m. The winners will receive their awards between 4 and 5 p.m.

LSS, supported by grants from the Planning and Service Area 2 Agency on Aging, provides lunches for seniors four days per week at LSS and in Westwood and one day per week in Doyle.

The organization also runs the Meals on Wheels program, delivering hot meals to as many as 175 homebound seniors per week who can’t leave their homes. Some seniors receive only one hot meal per week, while others receive a hot meal seven days per week.

There is no obligation for seniors to contribute financially for any program or service, and any contribution is purely voluntary. No eligible participant is denied service because of a failure or inability to contribute.