event FAQ:
Where does the event take place?
Que on the Yazoo is a street festival held along Front Street, Main Street and Howard Street in downtown Greenwood, Mississippi.
Who is Main Street Greenwood?
Main Street Greenwood is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of downtown Greenwood.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to our generous sponsors, Que on the Yazoo is a FREE event to the public!
Can my kids come?
Kids are welcome throughout the weekend, but most of the children’s activities are held on Saturday.
Will there be other food besides BBQ?
Yes! In addition to the sweet smoky smells of barbecue, one can also enjoy dining at one of our downtown restaurants or by visiting a food vendor for some delicious fair food.
Can I bring my cooler? Chair?
Our beer tent is able supply any cold beverages you may desire, so we ask that you leave your cooler at home, but you’re welcome to bring your tailgate chair to sit and enjoy live music.
Is there anything else going on during the weekend?
In addition to the barbecue competition there will be kids activities sponsored by ArtPlace Mississippi, live music, People’s Choice BBQ Competition, culinary vendors and an array of downtown shopping with our local retailers.
Where can I stay?
If you are looking to stay downtown, we recommend The Alluvian Hotel. Greenwood’s Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express are excellent options and just a short drive from downtown.
COOKING COMPETITION FAQ:
What is MBN Sanctioning?
The Memphis Barbecue Network or MBN is one of the leading sanctioning bodies of BBQ contests in the world. It is dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique Memphis style of BBQ though education, support, and management. MBN officials assist event organizers in promoting, organizing, and conducting the sanctioned events in accordance with MBN standards.
Can I compete in Que on the Yazoo?
Absolutely! All you have to do is register for the categories in which you would like to compete and follow the rules and regulations. Grab some friends and create a team this year, or cook solo.
What’s the difference between Patio Division and Championship Division?
Championship teams accumulate points and are eligible to enter into the MBN invitational if they win the Que on the Yazoo competition. Championship teams also require an on-site visit during the competition, while the patio division is done solely on blind judging.
Where can I find an application to compete?
APPLICATION HERE
What am I allowed to cook on?
Teams may cook with any type of wood and/or charcoal. Flammables such as propane, compressed or liquid gas may be used ONLY to START the INITIAL fire. Once the meat has been placed within the cooker no type of flammables may be used. To make additional coals, flammables may be used outside and away from the cooker. Local fire and safety laws may dictate whether the use of any type of gas will be allowed.
Electrical devices may be used within the cooker if they do not directly generate heat. Approved devices include rotisseries, fans, and delivery systems for approved fuel (i.e., pellet grills). Electric smokers, holding ovens or containers or any other devices with heat-producing electrical coils are not allowed. Holding containers that do not produce heat are allowed. Microwaves may be used to warm/heat sauces, but not to cook, warm or reheat meat.
What categories are available?
Friday night categories include: Cocktail, Baked Beans, Catfish, Sauce, and Chicken
Saturday categories include: Pork Loin, Pulled Pork, and Pork Ribs
Must I compete in all categories?
A Patio team must cook at least two (2) of the three (3) categories to be eligible for a site. A team must cook all three (3) categories to be eligible for Patio Grand Champion. The Championship official meat categories are Whole Hog, Pulled Pork, and Pork Ribs. All contestants are welcome to enter as many entries in the Anything But Division Categories: Sauce, Beans, Cocktail, Catfish, Chicken and Beef.
Do I provide my own meat?
Yes. Teams must provide their own meat with the exception of catfish. Websters is sponsoring the catfish cook-off and will be providing the catfish fillets to the teams. Each contestant competing must supply ALL of his own meat, cooking ingredients, individual cooking devices, utensils, preparation tables, etc. All competition entries must be prepared and cooked on site at Que on the Yazoo.
What is considered Pulled Pork?
A PULLED PORK entry is defined by Memphis Barbecue Network as a portion of the hog which may contain the arm bone, hind leg bone, shank bone, portion of the blade bone or a pork collar. A whole shoulder, a picnic shoulder, a ham, a Boston Butt or a pork collar are all considered to be valid entries. The blind box must contain enough pulled pork to give bite size samples to 6 judges and all pieces must fit inside the closed container (9”x9”) provided.
What is considered a Pork Rib?
A PORK RIB entry defined by the MBN as the portion of the hog containing the ribs, and classified as a spare rib or loin rib portion. Country style ribs and rib tips are not a valid entry. The blind box must contain at least 6 sections of ribs and all pieces must fit inside the closed container (9”x9”) provided.
What is considered a Pork Loin?
A PORK LOIN entry defined as bone in or without bone. Loin must weigh at least 5 pounds at time of meat inspection. NO STUFFING IS ALLOWED. The blind box must contain enough pork loin to give bite size samples to 6 judges and all pieces must fit inside the closed container (9”x9”) provided
What is the People’s Choice Category?
This category is a “BBQ sampling” by the General Public and voted as such. Teams will be provided with an aluminum pan to put their barbecue in. Wristbands will be sold for $8 to individuals who will blind sample the teams' barbecue. Participants will vote for their favorite barbecue and the winner will receive a trophy and the "People's Choice Pot" (total entry fees of all teams). Approximately 200 members of the public will sample. This is not only a great way to get rid of your excess BBQ and not be wasteful, but spread the BBQ Competition spirit!
JUDGING FAQ:
How does one get to judge the BBQ?
Because Que on the Yazoo is a sanctioned event, only MBN registered judges are allowed to judge. However, everyone is invited to sample team barbecue during the People’s Choice Competition on Saturday. Simply buy a $5 wristband and visit our People’s Choice area to sample some of each participating team’s barbecue.
Who is a registered judge?
A registered judge is one that has completed the current contest’s judge’s registration form, submitted it to the Head Judge and received a confirmation from the Head Judge. A judge must be either in training (completed an MBN training course) or a certified judge in good standing with MBN (dues current).