Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Adds New Open Contest to 2022 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest
Today, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced the addition of a new category for the 2022 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. In addition to the traditional categories — Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Go Texan and Dutch Oven Dessert — the new Open Contest category will allow barbecue teams to prepare anything they desire, except desserts.
“The Open Contest category gives barbecue teams the opportunity to flex their cooking skills in a creative way,” said David Stone, chairman of the Rodeo’s World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Committee. “Whether it’s chili, macaroni and cheese, or surf and turf — winners will receive a trophy and bragging rights.”
The Open Contest will be held Friday, Feb. 25, the second day of the three-day contest, scheduled for Feb. 24 – 26, 2022. The top three highest scoring entries will be announced at the awards ceremony Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.
The World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is an invitation-only competition, with more than 250 barbecue teams from across the state of Texas and the world competing in the annual contest.
While most team tents are invitation-only, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, the Chuckwagon and the carnival. The Garden Stage, sponsored by Miller Lite, features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music, and has an outside patio for visitors to enjoy. Inside the saloon is the Chuckwagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary sliced brisket plate.
Tickets for the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest go on sale in January 2022 at rodeohouston.com. General admission is $20 for adults 13 and over, $5 for children between the ages of 3–12, and free for children age 2 and under. Tickets include admission to the barbecue contest, including the concerts at the Miller Lite stage at The Garden, and admission to the carnival, Saloon and Chuckwagon, plus a complimentary sliced brisket plate. Tickets do not include access to private cook-off tents. Tent passes are not for sale and are distributed by the Bar-B-Que teams.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2022 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 20. The 2022 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is scheduled for Feb. 24 – 26. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.