All About Bbq - Three Central Florida Attractions For Bbq Lovers
The barbeque cooking technique has been around for hundreds of years
, if not longer. While Florida is geographically considered part of the American "South," its residents are pretty representative of all regions of the country. For that reason, "barbeque" can mean very different things to different Floridians. Whether you prefer pork barbeque with vinegar-based sauce like you find throughout much of North Carolina, or Texas beef barbeque with tomato sauce, you're sure to find a BBQ event to attend on your vacation to Florida.BBQ Beginnings
The origins of American barbeque date back to colonial times. The method of cooking meat for long periods of time over a fire originated in the Southeast, where people learned to make the best out of rough cuts of meat by cooking them for a long time to make them tender. Today there are many regional variations on the idea of barbeque, but no matter where you live, the idea of barbeque conjures an image of good food, and time spent relaxing with family and friends.
Visit Florida and Compete in BBQ Contests
Many Florida campgrounds offer ample room for you to barbeque meat, if that's what you'd like to do on your Central Florida vacation. But there are also many annual sanctioned BBQ events that let you compete for prizes and make a name for yourself in the barbeque world.
The Lakeland Pig Fest is the Florida State Barbecue Championship, and it takes place at the end of January every year. The next Fest will be January 29-30, 2010. Since 1997 it has grown from a small festival to one with over 300 BBQ teams competing. The festival raises money for local charity organizations and has generated over $100,000 over the course of its 13 years. Besides offering up all the barbeque you could want, you can eat corn on the cob, baked beans, coleslaw, and much more.
Smoke on the Water is another one of the Central Florida attractions that true BBQ fans can't afford to miss. The event is a Florida BBQ Association sanctioned contest, and has raised over $250,000 for the youth of East Polk County over the past four years. Come out on your Central Florida vacation and sample delicious barbeque recipes, experience all-day entertainment, and support a great cause -- the local youth. 100% of the funds raised go to the local Central Florida Boys & Girls Clubs. In 2010, the event takes place February 5-6.
If your Central Florida vacation is a couple weeks later, visit Haines City for Ribs on the Ridge February 19-20. This is another Florida BBQ Association sanctioned contest where barbeque cooking teams from all across the state and country compete for cash prizes, trophies, and bragging rights. And for those looking for Central Florida attractions to attend in the fall, consider the Mulberry Fine Swine At The Pit. Held in 2010 on October 8-9, this sanctioned contest is an annual event provided by a non-profit corporation to raise funds for charitable causes.
To help you determine what kind of barbeque you like, attend one of these many BBQ events on your next Central Florida vacation. Chances are you'll find the type of barbeque that perfectly suits your taste buds.
by: Chris Harmen