It's the first time the American Royal BBQ Competition has ever made its way to the Sunflower State.
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The Kansas City area has been a major pull for the annual competition since 1899.
The World Series of Barbecue brings 568 competitors from 11 countries to the area.
One of those is Robertsons Braai-B-que, coming all the way from South Africa.
Braai means to barbecue.
Related:Learn all about the American Royal with our web series "Taste & See KC"
Some members on their team of four have been to the United States, but none of them had been to Kansas City.
They won competitions in order to apply for the American Royal competition and are excited to be here.
Borries Bornman, the Braai-B-que chief cook, said they've already made many friends and even invited lots of them to taste their barbecue.
They said that they had to buy their meat once they got to the United States. They also picked up another pig.
"This is Barbie," said Bornman, as he pulled an 11 week old red pig from behind the trailer. "She's our mascot."
Gareth Daniell, or BraaiBoy, said barbecue is very social in South Africa. That's also what they're experiencing here.
In the tent, there are competitors from Italy. Three of them did not speak English well, but a fourth, a judge, did.
Giacomo Mazzocchi said he is not sure what he is judging, but the competition is held in four categories:
- Brisket
- Pork Ribs
- Pork (Shoulder or Boston Butt)
- Chicken
Contestants can enter all four to compete for the title of Grand Champion.
Organizers are expecting 35,000 people Friday night. Doors open at noon.They expect 50,000 people throughout the weekend.
There are fewer competitors than last year. However, there are more than three times as many international competitors.
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BELINDA POST
Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
