2022 Knights of Columbus BBQ held in Trafton Park

It was off and running...early. Hurry up and wait. But when it was all said and done, it was worth it. As the saying goes, when it's smokin' it's cooking/ and when it's black it's done.

Smiling as they came forward to claim this year's honor, were the Casual Smokers, Cohen Ereaux; his mom, Lynette; sister Nellie; and her boyfriend, Ryan McLaughlin. Their smiles were enhanced by the $1,200 award.

"I was a little worried when they (people) weren't showing up", stated Chairman Jory Schipman. Finally, after months of prep, sweating, planning, and stewing, the Knights of Columbus men had pulled off another successful BBQ. Twelve teams ended up showing up and giving it their all; to produce and prepare a brisket, and to win over the taste buds of five judges.

Jory has headed the fundraiser for three years and each year draws hungry people who love a good BBQ. It doesn't hurt that the fundraiser goes to a good cause.

Winning head chef Cohen Ereaux asked about the team's secret ingredient, "...it just kind of came together today. We had the two briskets, two different things that we did and one just turned out a little better; so that is the one we went with...it ended up working and that's the one we won with!"

"I am happy with the win...and we'll be back next year", added Ereaux.

He attributed part of the success was in getting a good night's sleep. The entrants had their equipment up and going at 6 am.

"We fed over 200", stated Schipman when it was in the books.

Entered this year were local teams: the Shriner's (Ross Simser & Greg Oxarart manning the grill); Dishin It Up (Eric, Dara, Danika & Taya Wilke); Casual Smokers (Cohen, Lynette, & Nellie Ereaux & Ryan McLaughlin); Smokin' Schip (Jesse & Leslie Schipman); and the Fire Department (Dwight & Cheyenne Score with Casey & Megan Knudsen).

Hailing from Gillette, WY., Wild West BBQ (Phil Simmons) was joined by others from across Montana, including Grizzly Bear BBQ (Shelley Nease & Norma Frisk-Kaispell); Smoke on the Water (Sam Waters & Jeff Cole-Glasgow); H&H BBQ (Chris McMullen & David Stordahl-Billings); Team Townsend (Martin & Sarah Townsend-Logan, MT), Team Kastet (Ross Kastet-Glasgow), and Knights of the Round Table (Kalispell).

Besides the brisket, there was a competition for the most delectable appetizer or dessert. These entries were judged on creativity, appearance and taste. Cooks prepared an array of taste-bud pleasing recipes including ribs, pigshots wrapped in bacon with cream cheese, hot poppers with a bacon wrap, armadillo eggs, and pork shots, mac and cheese, Queso, meatballs, and spinach and artichoke dip.

Team Kastet took home the $300 award and the Knights of the Round Table were selected in second place, winning $200.

The event also hosted a 50/50 drawing, a silent auction on donated prizes, and a raffle drawing.