The new event in Florence was a roaring success, it appeared to me, despite the fact that it was as cold as a well diggers butt in Montana.

Friday night was very cold (windy too) yet the Florence people turned out and all cookers sold all of their chicken wings in short order. Saturday was a bit better (got up to about 50 degrees) and there was a throng of people out. All the barbeque was sold out on Saturday too.

There were a few hiccups in this first-time event but Mike Sexton, my Assistant Marshal, handled each one with aplomb. The people at the Florence Chamber of Commerce appeared to be very pleased and are already making plans for next year.

Bill Pickle, a Florence native, taught his first novice table and Harold Chandler assisted. We had a nice number of newbies graduating to certified status with five new aprons handed out. Larry Stafford got his Master’s hat and Steve Meadows and Jim Bain got their Senior’s hats.

The scores were consistent and the voting was close. Christy Sexton got the calculations done and scores printed before your could turn around. I had some of the best barbeque I’ve ever had (and that’s saying something) in Florence. The people at Hotel Florence, where we had a nice judging room, were as quick, helpful and professional as any I’ve ever seen. All in all it was a great time and it appeared as if a good time was had by all. We’re looking forward to next year in Florence.