Iola VFD cookoff a ‘burning’ success
Examiner photo by Matthew Ybarra A young man is enjoying his pretend ride while sporting his Iola VFD cap. All ages enjoyed the two-day cookoff.
Examiner photos by Matthew Ybarra Business as Usual Cookers took home the top honor of grand champion in the sixth annual Iola VFD Cookoff.
IOLA — Iola is looking to outfit their new fast response vehicle to better help them serve the community and the sixth annual Iola VFD Benefit and Barbecue Cookoff went a long way toward helping to achieve that goal.
Cookoff teams lined the streets surrounding the Io-la VFD; they were tucked away in every little nook and cranny, setting up shop and enjoying the slow-paced country life.
The IBCA sanctioned event drew 30 teams with Caleb Warden and the Business as Usual Cookers taking grand champion with 22 points. Warden finished third in brisket, sixth in chicken and second in pork spareribs. His team also had a first-place finish in open meat.
Second-place overall was Michael Kimich with Anderson VFD and Samantha Kimich and her team, 2 Hot 2 Handle, finished third.
Plans for the Iola VFD engine, which originally cost more than $90,000, is to use it as a brush rapid-attack truck, as well as multipurpose vehicle to be used for structure fires down hard-to-access roads.
“Exactly how much we are able to add to the truck will be based upon available funds,” explained Iola VFD Chief Morriss Barney.
There is also a plan to install a Halligan to the unit, which is a v-shaped bar that allows entry into a structure fire more safely.
“Anytime you can use something of that nature and not have to send firefighters in, the safety chances increase for all involved,” said Barney.
Texas 105 Band and Jarrod Sterrett and the Hired Guns provided live music for the street dance Friday. There was also a crawfish boil Friday. The event, which has traditionally showcased a fish fry and live auction, has grown throughout the years, forcing the fish fry and live auction to be held as a separate event. Now, the fish fry and live auction will be held April 13.
Anyone interested in more information or wanting to donate a live auction item for the April 13 event can contact the Iola VFD at 979-218-7416.
Top finishers in each category:
Overall: first-place: Caleb Warden and Business as Usual Cookers; second-place: Michael Kimich and Anderson VFD; third-place: Samantha Kimich and 2 Hot 2 Handle
Brisket: first-place: Josh Ferguson and Fergalicious BBQ; second-place: Randall Kendrick and Hide-A-Way Ranch; third-place: Caleb Warden and Business as Usual Cookers
Chicken: first-place: Brice Jones and Smokin’ Aces; second-place: Samantha Kimich and 2 Hot 2 Handle; third-place: David Greenberg and Cadillac Kids
Pork Spare Ribs: first-place: Samantha Kimich and 2 Hot 2 Handle; second-place: Caleb Warden and Business as Usual Cookers; third-place: Jason Sagmiller and Race Crew BBQ
Beans: first-place: Chuck Samples and SFI; second-place: David Greenberg and Cadillac Kids; third-place: Rita Marczewski and The Perfect Mess
Open Meat: first-place: Caleb Warden and Business as Usual Cookers; second-place: Jeremy Delgado and Big D’s BBQ; third-place: David Ramirez and Los Vaqueros