West Coast BBQ Classic

Whose barbecue style reigns supreme? That question will be answered on Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. when the Queen Mary in Long Beach presents the first-ever West Coast BBQ Classic – a full day of finger lickin’ good competition with pitmasters from around the country battling for the title of Ultimate Pitmaster.vOver 5,000 people are expected to attend the inaugural event which will be held at the Queen Mary Event Park and feature over 30 barbecue experts from Memphis, Kansas City, the Carolinas, the Lone Star State and elsewhere. Fun seekers should come hungry and early to taste as many dishes as their appetite can handle before casting their vote for the People’s Choice award. The Ultimate Pitmaster will walk away with $9,000 in prizes awarded by a panel of judges sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society.

In addition to the cook-off, the all-American food fest will feature live music performances and BBQ eating competitions as well as a kids’ zone and Jack Daniels lounge for guests 21+. For those in need of more to eat, a variety of vendors will be on hand with non-barbecue foods and sweet treats.

General admission to the West Coast Classic is $10 and includes one tasting ticket. Attendees may purchase one additional taste for $2; six tastes for $10; or 13 for $20. Children 12 and under are free; admission to the kids’ zone is $5. Parking is $12.

Guests who book the Queen Mary’s Grillin’ & Chillin’ hotel package for Saturday night will enjoy overnight accommodations, two general admission tickets to the West Coast Classic, 13 additional tasting tickets and complimentary parking. Rates start at $199 based on double occupancy.

The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach. To purchase tickets to the West Coast BBQ Classic or for more information, visit http://westcoastbbqclassic.com/ or call (800) 437-2934.