Episode 25: Big Payouts and Support for the Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo

Episode 25: Talking Big Payouts and Superior Support for the 2018 Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo

In this bonus episode of the BBQ Beat Podcast, I talk with Shelby Lomen, contest organizer for the Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo BBQ competition, featured as part of the Kissimmee Kowtown Festival. (That’s Cow spelled with a “K,” if you’re in Kissimmee, ya hear?)

Sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association, the Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo is an event that is truly embraced by its hosting city of Kissimmee, one of Florida’s first true Cow Towns.

The Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first brought cattle to Florida in 1513 in an attempt to create a settlement in the southwestern part of the state.

Florida Cracker Cowboy – Courtesy of Osceola County Government

Though this attempt failed, Hernan de Soto later brought cattle back to the state in 1539 and moved with them up through the center of the state. Domesticated by both Native Americans in the area and later settlers who became known as “Cracker Cowboys” for their use of whips to herd the animals, cattle ranching gained a prominent foothold here in Central Florida, with Kissimmee taking center stage.

By the 1860s, Florida was providing beef to other parts of the south and was a primary source of beef for the Confederate Army throughout the Civil War. Finally, in the early 1900s, as steamboat transportation began to be supplanted by rail travel, Florida Cracker Cowboy culture started to take hold. (Read more about Florida’s cattle history here.)

Highlights for this Year’s Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo

One of the first things a competition team is going to look at is the payout for any given event. This year’s Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo is doing things up right!

Unlike most BBQ competitions, the Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo is paying out at both the Professional and Backyard levels. Shelby has a special Pro Level Grand Champion Trophy for this year, too – in the form of a large cow skull that has been decorated by a local art student who won a cash prize for doing so. No bowling trophy for GC at this comp!

Here are the payouts by division and category:

Infrastructure and logistical support for this year’s BBQ competition are on track as well. Rock solid 30 and 50 amp power hookups provided by CAT Entertainment Services. Ample water hookups will also be set up on site, thanks to the good folks at the Toho Water Authority 10 lb bags of ice will be sold on-site at Big Toho Marina Bait and Tackle.

If you’re looking for a comp to cook, or you just want to head out for what is sure to be a good time, definitely put this year’s Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo on your calendar!

When and Where for the Kissimmee Valley Rib Rodeo

When: Saturday March 24, 2018 7 AM to 6 PM

Where: 69 Lakeview Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34741 (Marina Overflow Parking Lot)

View Map

Official Contact: Shelby Lomen at slomen@kissimmeemainstreet.com

About the Show

The BBQ Beat Podcast, hosted by Kevin Sandridge, shares all that’s good in competition and backyard BBQ and grilling. Guests include competition BBQ pitmasters, food industry insiders, BBQ and grilling product manufacturers, and event promoters from the US as well as abroad. If you love BBQ and have an appreciation for southern culture and live-fire cooking – this is the podcast for you.

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Total: 71
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Sound
September 16, 2018 by Njtte from United States
Some cast I have to pass on cause just is not load enough. I am a new listener and really like the podcast. Makes my weekend at work go by faster.
Great interviewer and top notch sound quality
September 1, 2018 by Tbbbbbbbbvtrjfjmgjv from United States
I found this podcast because my client that I produced video for was on it. I am very impressed with the podcast as a fellow content producer, good on you! Business owners and specifically restaurant owners are hard to nail down or to get to a quiet undisturbed location, but you guys pull it off! Great work!
Entertaining and informative
July 24, 2018 by A Mathews from United States
Great conversations. Always entertaining and always informative. ???
Overall Fantastic Podcast
July 7, 2018 by cgdixo from United States
This podcast is great for anyone that has ever had an interest in BBQ, grilling, smoking, etc. The guests that are brought on to this pod along with the dialogue that Kevin has with them makes this a great podcast that would be enjoyable for anyone to listen to regardless if they liked BBQ or not. There is a great wealth of knowledge to be found in these pods, and each time I listen to the BBQ Beat I feel genuine excitement to go outside and try something new with my grill or smoker. Aside from all of this, the audio is great and the topics are interesting which makes the experience engaging for not only the guest on the pod, but also you the listener. Suscribe and listen often. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Great podcast
April 25, 2018 by David Ortiz34 from United States
This is a great podcast for any BBQ guy or girl who can’t get enough BBQ culture in their lives. Kevin, the host, is very informative but let’s his guests speak their minds. He’s a great moderator, of sorts, that doesn’t get in the way unnecessarily. Lastly, the host is extremely well prepared for each interview. It’s top notch. Give it a listen!
Awesome
March 2, 2017 by Circlebbbq from United States
One of the best ways to gain information as well as learning from others about Bbq
New favorite BBQ podcast
February 10, 2017 by HotSauceDaily from United States
- Really well produced with great guests. - Host Kevin Sandridge does a good job and asks all the right questions. - This is my new favorite BBQ podcast ~brian
Great!
February 10, 2017 by nighttraitor from United States
Great info, love the podcast
Great BBQ resource
February 10, 2017 by Swamp Boys - Rub from United States
If you get it that BBQ is more than burning hotdogs on a propane grill, you could likely benefit from The BBQ Beat podcasts. Kevin interviews the best Pitmasters in the country. They share their knowledge, stories, and experiences. There is something to be learned in each podcast. So if you're serious about your bbq, check out these podcasts. They are time well spent.
Sound advice
February 10, 2017 by @realmattboyce from United States
I learn something new every show.