The day began with no one knowing what to expect. We were simply thrilled to have two participants pull in early that morning, and being the optimists that we are we were determined to have a good time no matter the number of people who came. Then as time went on and truck after truck pulled in, the excitement grew and hopes began to rise. I, AKA Girls Rock, the daughter of Papa and Mama Rock, was the "lucky" individual nominated to sign all participants in and collect all dues owed (definitely not the peoples' favorite person to see that day). But, lo and behold, the job turned out be a rewarding one because it allowed me to meet all the participants and their families, and be the first to hear the classic team names (shout out to No Sleeves BBQ and The Smokers for thinking of team names on the spot! And the longest team name award goes to the Allreds: The Allred Family Southern Smoke-N-Sauce).
Later on that day I was pleasantly surprised with a second job...tallying the scores. And though it meant missing out on meat samples and funnel cakes it had its perks...I knew the winners beforehand and was then able to watch them carefully during the awards assembly to see their reactions. I must commend everyone on their poker faces, all winners had a jump of surprise, but then were quick to return to their poker faces as they walked to the stage (Best poker face award to Willie Schumann AKA The Smokin' Daddy and Todd Flashpuller AKA No Sleeves BBQ).
All in all, the day was a great experience, full of smiles and laughter. And...always a positive...no complaints about the music (which was yet another job of Girls Rock). I'm now ready for round two in the spring!