The first Florida Keys Brew BQ attracted a great-size crowd at the Marathon Community Park July 17-18. Quaffing craft brews kept core temperatures down and the crowds were entertained by live music, shopping fun, kids games and lots of good food.
Festival goers thronged the “big rig” barbecue joints, as well as local favorites like the Kaiyo Catering, La Isla and Bongos tents. Only the judges (lucky devils) got tastes of the amateur competition and the stakes were very high (bragging rights!) and rivalry fierce. The locals were dressed to impress in various bbq-themed T-shirts and aprons and their tents were thronged with supporters and family.
The winners:
- Best Pork Butt: Team “Chef Flavor & MHS Culinary Academy” (Carl Stanton and Chris Gaskill)
- Best Brisket: Team “The Tackle Box” (Chris Stills and Jack Tupper )
- Best Overall: Team “Gables on the Go” (Mark Gables and Jim Knutson)
Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO singled out two other teams for fun honors: Best BBQ Rivalry: Team Pitcher (Matt Pitcher) and Team Butt Stuff (Tyler Blanton); and Best Dressed BBQ Team: Beer Belly BBQ (Spook Roussin and Ryan Fredrick).
