McDade Watermelon Festival BBQ Cook-off

SANCTIONED BY

The MWF Cook-off follows the CBA rules that can be found at:

Sanctioned By: CHAMPIONS Barbecue Alliance 

MWF will be hosting their 4th Annual BBQ Cook Off. Pitmasters will compete in categories of Brisket, Pork Ribs, and Chicken. There will be Jackpots for Margarita, Salsa, Beans, and an Open (NO DESSERT) Category.

Entry - $225
Cash payout and prizes will be paid for 1st - 10th place.
Jackpots - $25/each
Payout for jackpots will be an 80/20 split.

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Rules:

All cook off rules are subject to the same regulations set forth by CBA. 

Teams must adhere to these rules or risk disqualification. 

This includes turn in times which are designated by CBA and late entries will not be accepted. 

The MWFA BBQ Cookoff Committee does not have the authority to accept late entries. 

Set up will begin at 4 PM on Thursday, July 9th, 2026. Teams will not be permitted to set up prior to the designated start time. 

All teams participating in the MWFA BBQ Cookoff must complete registration and submit payment prior to setup; upon check-in, each team will be assigned a designated space by a volunteer, all equipment must fit entirely within that assigned space, spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and any teams wishing to set up together must arrive at the same time to be placed adjacent to one another. 

Fire lanes must remain clear at all times. Quiet hours are between 1 AM and 8 AM each day. Music and other noise should only be heard within each team's designated space and should not disturb neighboring teams or attendees. Unsportsmanlike conduct, disruptive behavior, and physical altercations are not permitted. 

Vehicles are permitted in the Cook Off area for parking purposes only; driving in and out of the area is not permitted, and once your setup is complete and your vehicle exits the Cook Off area, it will not be allowed to re-enter. 

All fires must be contained within BBQ pits. Open or ground fires outside of smokers or pits are not permitted. 

Each team will be allotted 2 wristbands for the Friday night dance; any additional wristbands may be pre-purchased for $10 upon registration up until 07/03/26. Wristbands can be purchased at the gate for $15. Entrance to the dance will not be permitted without a wristband. Teams are responsible for the cleanup of their area; any trash disposal must be done in designated containers. This includes grease, ash, or coals (ash and coals must be cold to the touch) from BBQ pits and smokers. 

Any team found in violation of these rules may be disqualified from current or future events at the discretion of the MWFA BBQ Cookoff Committee. The McDade Watermelon Festival Association is not liable for personal injuries, accidents, theft, or property damage.

3 Meats – Will follow CBA guidelines $225 entry fee

Chicken: enough for 6 judges required, no pulled or shredded allowed. No garnish allowed. Foil provided by CBA must be placed unfolded at the bottom of the tray.

Pork Ribs: enough for 6 judges is required. Pork Spare ribs and St. Louis cut are allowed. Must be bone in, individually cut. No garnish allowed. Foil provided by CBA must be placed unfolded at the bottom of the tray.

Brisket: enough for 6 judges is required. Slices and or burnt ends allowed. No garnish allowed. Foil provided by CBA must be placed unfolded at the bottom of the tray. Garnish is defined as anything other than the designated category protein.

Jackpot Categories $25-each entry fee

Beans: Teams must start with dry pinto beans.  Teams may cook with meat or other ingredients for seasoning.  However, at turn in nothing larger than the bean is allowed in the cup.  Beans will be Judged Saturday Morning.

Open/Cook’s Choice: Entries should showcase your pitmaster abilities and can contain proteins as well as fruit and vegetables.  But it should not be something that would be considered a dessert.  Entries must be cooked on a BBQ pit using wood, charcoal or wood products as a heat source.  Judging for Cook’s Choice will be Friday night. 

Margarita Contest: Contestants will be provided a cup for turning in their margaritas.  Judging will be based on taste and will not include showmanship.   There are no restrictions on ingredients to be used in your margaritas.  Have Fun!!!  Judging for the Margarita contest will be Friday Night.

Salsa Contest: Salsa entries must be homemade.  Use of canned ingredients is acceptable.  Entries may be cooked or un-cooked as desired by the participant.  Ingredient pieces must be small/chopped... extremely large chunks will not be acceptable.  Entries must have the consistency of salsa (For example No Guacamole or Pico de Gallo will be accepted).  Salsa does not have to be prepared on the BBQ pit.   Salsa will be Judged Saturday Morning.  
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BENEFITS LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS!

Contact Steve (512) 784-6143 or Zachary (956) 307-2152 for more information.

JULY 10th & 11th 2026

CHECK IN - THURSDAY

MARGARITA & OPEN JACKPOTS - FRIDAY

SALSA & BEANS JACKPOTS - SATURDAY

Head Judge: Adriana (832) 745-0974​