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The Swamp is Smokin'
The Stump's Smoker
is here!
-= PREVIOUS YEARS =-
'04 Season '05
Season '06
Season '07
Season '08 Season
Competition Schedule, Upcoming Events,
& Completed Events
If you're interested in having your business be a sponsor for this
fast-rising team, contact me now. Let's see how we can help each other meet our
goals.

Completed
Events:
December
18: Pulled Pork for 110, Youth For Christ
December
18: Private Party for 70
December 17: Winter Haven Bike Fest
It was a rainy day up until about 3:00, so
a lot of people didn't come out. However, we were the only food vendor, so those
who did come out ate with us :) We ended up having a good sale. There was a
really good band playing, and the world-famous Swamp Babes even got to see
Santa! Hmm, I wonder if they've been naughty, or nice?
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Introducing
Santa's little helpers: Sweet, Spicy, and Original.
(Ho, Ho, Ho) |
The
girls try to bribe Santa with pork. |
Yes,
we even cater the North Pole. |
December
15: Staff Christmas Party for 75, The Groves
Pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, cole
slaw.
December 9: Staff Christmas Party for 60, Roosevelt Academy
Smoked 2 inside rounds for our staff
party, they came out great!

25 pounds & 9 pounds
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Had a real nice smoke ring
|
December
3: Private
Party for 60
Pulled pork and roasted corn on the cob
for 60.
November 18-19: Plant City Pig Jam
(KCBS Qualifier for '06)
I did so poorly here I don't even want to
mention it. I made the dumb mistake of trying 3 new methods in 3 categories, and
they all bombed. I won't do that again. Once again, my Swamp Babes saved the day
for me. We sold a case of butts and 2 bushels of corn (could have sold 4), which
raised enough $ for us to compete another day. Saturday was so busy, I forgot to
get any pictures. But they were looking as great as ever! :P Thanks girls!
November
11: Hope Creative School Fall Fest fundraiser, pulled pork for 250
November
8: Winter Haven Stingray's Swim Banquet, pulled pork for 125
November 4-5: The Great Key Largo
BBQ Championship (KCBS Qualifier)
10th Overall
5th Chicken
9th Ribs
9th Pork
This was a beautiful setting for this
first year contest. My cook site was right on the Atlantic Ocean. They fed us a
seafood dinner Friday night, and a good hot breakfast Saturday morning. It was
well attended by the public, and they came hungry. I will definitely plan on
going back again next year.

5th place chicken |

Sunrise, with the Atlantic behind me |
October
30: Fundraiser for Lord of Life church, Plant City, pulled pork for 175
October 28-29: Minneola Fall Fest,
Minneola FL (FBA Qualifier)
12th Overall (30 Teams)
7th Ribs
11th Pork
7th Brisket
All I can say
is thank goodness for our vending! I was feeling very confident with the food I
turned in, and was counting on at least 1 call. That sure didn't happen :( But
getting to spend the day with the Swamp Babes always makes things better. They
worked very hard as usual, and by the end of the evening, we had sold out. So I
am able to pay a few bills, and live to cook another day! The Swamp Babes ROCK
:^P And if you ever get a chance to see The Wholigans - a Who tribute band - do
it. These guys were awesome. I went backstage when it was over and fed them some
BBQ. It was fun.

Tammy & Amy
|

Me taking a break
|

Robin
|
October 22: 5th Annual
Bagby Boo Bash
We had a great
time with our party this year. Twenty-five friends came over in costume to eat,
drink, and have fun. Costumes ranged from simple to fancy and everything in
between. We had a barbecue theme with
our getups. Amy was the chicken, Robin was the pig, Tammy was the cow, Kevin was
a Stump's Smoker, and I was the barbecue chef.

A chicken, a bbq chef, a cow, a
Stump's Smoker, and a pig. We were the bbq gang. |

Amy and Tammy gang up on the
FEMA agent.
|
October
15: Winter Haven Bike
Fest
This was our second time vending at the bike
Fest. The weather was much more pleasant, which brought out more riders. We did
better this time, but I still think we can do better. We're slowly building a
following. We'll be competing in Plant City for the November date, but December
might be a go. Of course the Swamp Babes were there - I can ALWAYS count
on them :) What better way to spend an afternoon/evening than with best friends
(who are babes) & barbecue?! Thank you girls; love ya!

The girls try a new pose;
Robin is not amused. |

This monster truck was too cool! |
October
13: Senior - Q, lunch for 160 in Lake Wales
I got the idea for this from Mike on The
BBQ Forum. The idea was simple: "To raise awareness of the importance
of our elderly as a national treasure. To let them know that's how we feel about
them. In short, to let them know we still care". You can read
more about it here
at the Senior Q page on Mike's web site.
I got our school involved, and we took about 30 of our
students over to the nursing home and let them sit down and get to know the
seniors. Then they all enjoyed a fine lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, baked
beans, cole slaw, and brownies. My wife Amy is the teacher for our culinary arts
program, and she and her students were the major sponsor for this event. They
paid for and prepared everything but the meat on their own, and did an
outstanding job. There were lots of positive comments about the luncheon, and
we're already planning on doing it again. We ended up serving over 180 meals
(not sure where the "70" came from in the paper),
and made lots of new friends.

Lots of slaw! |

Picture in the Lake Wales News. |

A shot of some of the group. |
September
30-October 1: Mulberry Fine Swine at the Pit (FBA)
4th Overall (33 teams)
3rd Chicken - Trophy
3rd Ribs - Trophy
6th Pork
10th Brisket
Notes: Highest
Professional Overall finish ever! That was pretty cool, & somewhat
unexpected. Luckily I won a couple of checks, because the vending was terrible.
They predicted 4-5,000 for the 2 days. I'd be surprised if there was 1,000.
Still had a great time though. Hot Friday, & rain on & off Saturday. Amy
& Robin came out to do some selling, but there just wasn't much of anybody
buying. They didn't complain though; gotta love the Swamp Babes! Thanks girls,
love ya :P
Our Site
|
Swamp Babes with 3rd place trophies
|
September
2-3: Kasihta Sand Town Festival, Cusseta GA (KCBS
Qualifier)
12th Overall (31 teams)
7th Pork - Plaque
Notes: Almost
backed out of this one because of gas prices hitting $3.00 + per gallon the day
before. Took about 8 hours to get there & I'm glad I went. Saw some old
friends & met a bunch of new ones. Lots of fun & laughing. On the
cooking side of it, I thought I had done really well. I was thinking 4 top 10
finishes. But for some reason, the judges didn't agree with me. I got 1 call in
Pork (7th), & that was it. Oh well, I'll take what I can get. I had a lot of
fun, regardless. I always have a great time hanging out with Buddy.
Since gas was so pricey, I left my trailer at home & just
took what would fit in my truck. This meant I would cook on 2 WSMs. My black
one, & the school's blue one. Things were a little cramped at times, but
all-in-all it was OK.

|
My cookers
of choice for the weekend. |
August 20: Winter Haven Bike Fest
We had a lot of fun doing this,
despite the high temps. It had to have been 110+ degrees out there on the
asphalt, under the canopy. The temp finally started to drop around 6pm as some
high winds came through. Overall we had a blast, caught up with some old
friends, & made some new ones. And my Swamp Babes turned "Biker
Babes" for the day :^)
Love my Swamp Babes!!
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Tammy
& Amy holding down the tent. |
Rubbin
& Rub sharing a tender moment between ear shuckin'. |
Tammy,
Rubbin, & Amy |
Once
darkness set in, the Swamp Babes turned Biker
Babes! |
July 15-16: Greenwood SC (KCBS Qualifier)
13th overall (33 teams)
3rd Chicken - Trophy
15th Ribs
26th Pork
10th Brisket
3rd Taster's Choice - Trophy
Notes:
I love the people in Greenwood. This is probably the most friendly
town/competition I cook in. Unfortunately, the judges up there don't feel the
same way about my food. They like my chicken, but that's it. That's alright,
I'll figure it out one of these times.
A gigantic THANK YOU to Vicky & Mike from
SC. They teamed up with me for this cookoff in part to fulfill a requirement to
further their skill level as a certified BBQ Judge. They are very active members
in the SC Barbecue Association. They met me there early Friday morning and
jumped right in helping out. Just like last year, they worked tirelessly both
days and helped bring home our 3rd place in Taster's Choice. We need to reclaim
our 1st place trophy next year. ;^)

July 4: City of Lake Wales 4th of
July Celebration
Notes: Sold pulled pork sandwiches & corn on the cob. Did OK, but
didn't sell out. The crowds were a little small, so the Swamp Babes took
advantage of a lull to donate blood at the blood mobile on site. It was a first
for Amy & Tammy; Robin is a veteran donor. They all vowed to do it again. As
always, the Swamp Babes are the best! Love you girls!

The Swamp Babes make life saving
blood donations.
|

The proud donors showing off
their battle scars.
|
June 25: Private Party:
Competition Chicken & Ribs for 36
June 10-11: Blueberries &
Barbecue Callahan, FL (FBA)
6th Overall (31 Teams)
8th Chicken
10th Ribs
15th Pork
9th Brisket
Notes: Rainy & windy both days.
Still learning with my new pit. Tried to fire it off a new way and had a grease
fire at 5:30AM. My own fault, & what a mess. Felt like packing up &
heading home after watching 2'-3' flames licking at my briskets & butts. I
was able to salvage them some, but it threw off my whole schedule & mojo. I
was disappointed, & am looking forward to the day when I can do everything
right at a contest. ;)
May 28: Frostproof Baseball Golf
Tournament Fundraiser: pulled pork and baked beans for 125
May 24: Roosevelt's End of the
Year Staff Luncheon: ribs, chicken, & sides for 40
May 20-21: BBQ by the Lake, Lake
Alfred FL (FBA)
Dead A$$ Last! Overall (26 Teams)
DQ Chicken
6th Place Ribs
5th Place Pork
3rd Place Brisket - Trophy
Notes: People have always told me that
at some point everyone will finish "DAL". I guess this was my time. My
chicken entry was disqualified because 1 piece had evidence of blood in it. I
saw it and there was evidence. Was it undercooked & a health hazard (which
is the spirit of the rule)? Not at all in my opinion. None of the other 23
pieces were, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Anyway it's over.
I did a little math to see "what if?". Had my chicken entry
placed 8th or higher, I would have won GC. Had it placed 12th or higher, I would
have won RGC. Coulda, shoulda, woulda.
Thanks to the Swamp Babes for being there with me! I LOVE my Swamp Babes, they
are the BEST!
Two friends came out to help and watch - Tom & Donnie. Thanks for being
there guys and for your help.
By the way, this was the 1st competition with my Stump's, and the 1st brisket I
ever cooked on it.

Swamp Babes:
Robin, Amy & Tammy |

My wonderful wife & me |

Loaded up Stump's Smoker |

3rd Place Brisket |
April 30: FFA Area IV Fun Day -
pulled pork for 250
April 29: Frostproof Baseball Team
Double Header - pulled pork for 50
April 19: Roosevelt FFA Banquet -
pulled pork for 60
March 3-5: The
Mitchell Company BBQ Championship & Hog Wild Festival, Mobile AL
KCBS Alabama State Championship
26th Place Overall (83 Teams)
26th Place Chicken
6th Place Ribs (Medal)
Notes: This was my first time competing
in Alabama, & it was a lot of fun. Many top teams came in from 15
states, including Jack's Old South, Bar-B-Quau, Whoop-de-Que, Smokin Triggers,
Big Bob Gibson, The Woodhouse Grill, Team Top Chick, Buttrub.com, Music City Pig
Pals, and many more. There was a great sea food dinner served Thursday night.
The weather Friday through Sunday was beautiful. My site was probably about a
1/4 mile from the turn-in tent, so I did a lot of walking. My chicken was too
salty. My ribs were probably the best I've ever cooked. I was pretty excited to
get my name called considering the teams that were there. I tried a new recipe
on pork and it bombed (65th); scratch that one off the list. I overcooked my
brisket, & it came in 43rd. Had I just placed in the middle in pork I would
have finished in the top 15. Hada, coulda, shoulda... Got to meet a bunch of new
people that I had been wanting to meet, & catch up with lots of old friends.
An excellent time that I hope to repeat (& improve upon) next year.

My view from the
back 40 |

South Pork, Buddy, bbqBob
|

Friday night
|

Buddy takes 2nd in brisket
|
February 11-12: Citrus
Center Boys & Girls Club Smoke on the Water BBQ Winter Haven FL (FBA)
11th Place Overall (28 Teams)
5th Place Chicken (Trophy)
7th Place Ribs
10th Place Brisket
Notes: This was the first sanctioned BBQ
Cookoff in Winter Haven, & was a big success. There was a catered steak
dinner Friday night for the cook teams & sponsors, which also included free
beer, wine, & a band. Amy
& Tammy were able to come over and join in on the dinner and music. Everyone
seemed to have a great time. It was another cold night with temps in the 30s,
but Saturday warmed up nicely. The crowds weren't very big so vending was slow,
but with great friends, the beautiful weather, & great music by Skinny
McGee, it didn't matter. Amy & I were filmed again for about 20 minutes
for a professional BBQ show that should start in the summer. I'll post show times
when I get them.
Thanks to the Swamp Babes Amy & Tammy for all of
your help & for being there!
February 5: Lake Wales Mardi Gras
Parade, Roosevelt Academy Fund Raiser, Lake Wales FL
Notes: I started cooking Friday night
& slept by the cooker & in my truck. It was one cold night! Winds out of
the north at 15mph & 40 degree temperatures made it feel pretty darn cold.
Cooked 26 butts & 6 cases of corn. When all was said & done, we were
able to give the school a little over $1,300. Thanks need to be given to my
sponsors Mac's Meats for giving me a great price on the pork, & Billy
Bob's Tree Service for supplying me with the oak. Thanks also need to go out
to the Swamp Boy team members who came to sell for the school: Robin, Susan,
Tammy, Amy, Tim, & even our principal Mr. Rizer. Great job everybody!

January 27-29: 9th
Annual Lakeland Pig Fest, Lakeland FL
KCBS Florida State Championship - SWAMP
BOYS 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
29th Place Overall (52 Teams)
11th Place Brisket
Notes: Swamp Boys got our butts kicked
in Lakeland! It was a cold, rainy, & windy Friday night again. Just like
last year, the weather started out rough. But unlike last year, Saturday cleared
up to be a beautiful day. It was the Backyard division of this contest
one year ago where we entered our first contest on our own, & won Grand
Champion. In every contest since then, we have entered the Pro division
& have had our name called in every contest (7 last year) for placing in at
least 1 category. It was a streak that I was really enjoying. This year's Pig
Fest put an abrupt end to that, & on our 1 year anniversary no less. I
thought all of the food we turned in was pretty good, except for the ribs that
were slightly over-cooked. Oh well, what can you say? Time to start a new streak
at the Winter Haven contest.
On a bright note, Tammy, Robin, Susan, & Tim sold a
couple of cases of butts & 6 cases of roasted corn. They went nonstop for
hours & hours without slowing down. We had a line 10-15 people deep all day
long, & everybody went away full & happy. These 4 Swamp Boys deserve a
standing ovation! We now have the means to do it all over again at a few more
contests; vicious cycle, isn't it? ;^) Thanks so much you guys.
December 31-January 1: 5th
Annual Wild Pig & Pepper Jam, Gator Hammock, Felda FL
KCBS Florida State Championship
12th Place Overall (24 Teams)
8th Place Chicken
8th Place Brisket
2nd Place Chili
Notes: Amy, Tammy, & I
traveled down to Felda for this New Years Eve Cookoff. I'm hoping we'll make it
an annual tradition; I had lots of fun and hope they did too. Pig Pals (GC),
Buttrub.com (RC), HomeBBQ.com, Smokin' Triggers, plus lots of other good teams
were there. This was a contest where I really thought I had put out some of my
best bbq to date. Everything was on schedule for once, my boxes looked really
good (for me), and I had a really good feeling. Apparently the Judges didn't
agree ;). Although I was able to keep the streak alive: two medals for the two
8th places. The high point of the weekend was the 2nd Place in Chili! It beat out some seasoned Chili-Heads' entries, and tasted
awesome; great job guys!!
Competition Schedule
'04
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