Jack Lyons, chairman of the committee, explained that the diversity of duties shouldered by the committee makes it unique. "The bar-b-que committee is a microcosm of the whole Show. We incorporate several segments of the Show. During our three-day event, we do a lot of the things the Show does during its three-week run. We have a contest, entertainment, food service, recycling and we coordinate safety and security. That is why we need to have 12 separate subcommittees." The 12 subcommittees that comprise the committee are: publicity, safety and security, administration, committee area, food services, equipment, check-in and information, beverage inventory, beverage stands, public comfort and recycling, contestant supervisors, and gates. Committee work begins when the Show confirms the layout of the parking lot area. This gives the committee what they call a "footprint." That section is then mapped off into spaces for the contestants. This year the footprint will be altered to include commercial exhibits, a first for the contest, in addition to a larger carnival. One of the committee's major functions is to supervise all entries and determine who will participate in the cook-off. For the 1998 contest, only nine teams elected not to return. This is an amazingly low turnover for a cook-off with more than 300 teams. Before the contestants arrive at the Dome to check in, the committee has already marked each space, erected fences and lights, installed power generators and provided trash cans, portable toilets and recycling bins. The volunteers set up beverage and food stands, and a "Fun Tent" and "Dance Tent" are erected. Once the teams are situated, the committee acts as their host during the cook-off. The safety and security subcommittee ensures that the teams comply with fire and health codes. The contestant supervisors subcommittee tags the competition meat and later takes it to the contest area for judging, in addition to serving as a liaison between the committee and the contestants throughout the entire cook-off. Committee members return on Sunday at 7 a.m. for "tear down." The parking lot is cleaned, and all teams are out by noon. The growth of the contest over the last several years has been phenomenal. In 1997, 25 live radio and television broadcasts originated from the site. In addition to everyone involved, approximately 150,000 people attend the event. In 1997, the cook-off netted more than $600,000 for the support of youth and education. "It is a joy and honor to work with the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Committee," said Bill Teague, officer in charge. "It provides outstanding support to the Show's mission, and does it in an exemplary manner." This year, and in the years to come, the committee sees its future as growing even brighter. "The future growth of the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest depends on two vital resources -- the public and the contestants, " said Chairman Lyons. "Both are essential to our expanding popularity and will enable us to continue to be an integral part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo."
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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
is the largest event of its kind in the world. It is also one of the most
popular aspects of the Show. But a monumental undertaking like this contest
doesn't just happen. It requires the tireless efforts of the 563 members
of the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Committee, working year round to make
the cook-off a success.
