IN PICTURES: PITMASTERS BATTLE THE COLD IN SAUCED AND TOSSED BBQ CONTEST IN MARATHON

February 5, 2026

IMG_9191 Large — Ryan Frederick takes a well-earned celebratory shot from the Best Municipality trophy to cap off a win at the first-ever Sauced and Tossed BBQ Contest.

It takes the bravest of pitmasters to soldier through the coldest temperatures seen by the Florida Keys in 15 years. But that’s what four teams did to serve their guests and discerning judges at the city of Marathon’s Sauced and Tossed Barbecue Contest on Jan. 31 at Marathon Community Park. Pork butts smoking since the early morning hours provided four succulent options from Florida Keys AC, Blue Ribbon BBQ, Key Colony Beach Pig’s Out and the city’s Beer Belly BBQ team. Sides provided by the Marathon High School Dolphin Bistro and drinks from Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden rounded out plates for guests looking to warm up. Along with cash prizes and gift cards for the winners, the day raised $525 in support of the Dolphin Bistro and MHS culinary program.

Photos by Alex Rickert