Billy Sims
Smoke on the Water
BBQ Competition
June 13, 2026
Fire it up. This is where backyard legends and serious pitmasters throw down on the riverfront.
The Billy Sims Smoke on the Water BBQ Competition is bringing the heat to River Days with a no-nonsense, KCBS-style showdown. Whether you’re chasing trophies, bragging rights, or just want to prove your smoker setup isn’t all talk—this is your stage.
We’re keeping it simple, competitive, and worth your time.
The Format
Two meats. One morning. No excuses.
Chicken Division – 10 thighs
St. Louis Style Ribs Division – 6 slabs
KCBS rules apply (know them, follow them)
You’ll be cooking against other teams who take this seriously—but still know how to have a good time doing it.
The Timeline
6:00 AM – Cook’s Meeting
Show up ready. We’ll go over final details and get everyone squared away.11:00 AM – Chicken Turn-In
12:00 PM – Rib Turn-In
12:30 PM – Public Tasting Begins
This is where the crowd gets involved—and where reputations are made or broken.
Payout & Awards
We’re putting real money and real recognition on the line:
$1,500 Total Purse Money
Top 3 Places in Each Division (Chicken + Ribs)
People’s Choice Award (because the crowd always has an opinion)
Win your category, and you’ve got something to talk about all year.
Registration
Entry Fee: $100 per team
Spots are limited – once they’re gone, they’re gone
Why Compete?
Because this isn’t some parking lot cook-off with folding tables and polite claps.
This is River Days—live music, cold drinks, a riverfront crowd, and a whole lot of people paying attention to what you’re putting in that box.
You’ll be cooking:
In front of a built-in audience
As part of one of the biggest weekends in Burlington
With a chance to win cash, hardware, and crowd respect
The Bottom Line
If you’ve got a smoker, a system, and something to prove—get in.
If you don’t…come hungry at 12:30.