A pop-up thunderstorm added a burst of weather drama Saturday afternoon, but not even rain could dampen the turnout for Grilling on Main 2025, where hundreds gathered to enjoy barbecue, music, games, and community spirit in downtown Minden.
This year marked a shift for the annual event as organizers moved away from Barbecue Competitors Alliance (BCA) sanctioning in favor of a local focus.
“This is a local competition. We’re having fun. We’re hanging out. We’re doing the backyard thing, and the money’s going back to y’all,” said Brian Meeker, event organizer.
The decision to drop sanctioning also kept prize money in the community and attracted a strong showing of local talent. A $1,500 grill donated by Traeger and Ace Hardware was raffled off, with the prize going to Reggie, a new resident who recently moved to the area from Virginia.
“We had an amazing turnout. Weather was a concern, but we made it,” Meeker said. “We had over 800 people participate in People’s Choice. That’s amazing; that’s the biggest that’s been here ever. Like double.”
People’s Choice Winners:
- 1st – The Roosters
- 2nd – Rouxgoroux
- 3rd – Bearded Que
The 1st place team received $1,000 and a light-up Grilling on Main sign.
Each meat category offered awards and prize money: a trophy and $500 for 1st place, $250 for 2nd, and $125 for 3rd. Top finishers also received a limited edition, signed and numbered print by local artist Kimberly Mandino of Birdie Lu Designs. Organizers plan to feature a different artist each year.
Chicken Winners:
- 1st – The Long Shots
- 2nd – Rouxgoroux
- 3rd – Low and Slow
Ribs Winners:
- 1st – Rouxgoroux
- 2nd – The Roosters
- 3rd – Parts to Parts (no photo available)
Brisket Winners:
- 1st – The Roosters
- 2nd – Shake a Bone
- 3rd – Allen Smokey Pig
Grand Champion:
- 1st – The Long Shots ($4,000 and championship belt)
- 2nd – The Roosters
- 3rd – Minden Rocks
Minden Main Street Executive Director Sarah Overall said the event was a collaborative effort and a strong success.
“It was a huge success with a great turnout Friday night and again today to taste the BBQ,” she said. “It takes a huge effort from multiple groups of people to put on an event like this so thank you to those involved with planning and executing the event!”
Overall credited Main Street board chairman Shawn Hatcher and board members Brian Meeker and Jordan Cupples, along with Red Wolf Media, as the lead planners. Additional support came from board members Claudine Adams, Kathy Cropper, Kasi Kendrick, and Tamra Welchins.
