The Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle started in 1982 with 12 contestants and 12 judges. On April 27, 1984, Governor John Carlin declared the contest the official Kansas State Championship. Since then, the contest has grown to its current size of approximately 200 contestants and 240 judges.

The 2012 Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle will be held on June 22 and 23 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th & Lackman Road). The two-day event, which typically includes children's activities and live music, attracts cookers from all over the country who compete over two days for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle, Kansas State Champion. Prizes and ribbons are awarded for the top 10 contestants and three overall winners.

View the 2011 Great Lenexa BBQ Battle contest results.

Two days of BBQ
The fun begins on Friday as teams arrive with some of the most unique smoking contraptions imaginable. As the teams prepare their cooking sites, the Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park comes alive with entertainment and live music.

The real contest begins Saturday as the judging tent buzzes with activity preparing for the first barbeque samples to arrive around noon. Judges have the difficult task of identifying the best barbeque among seven different categories, including brisket, pork, ribs, sausage, chicken, whole animal and miscellaneous.

For more information, see the 2011 BBQ Battle Frequently Asked Questions.

See the 2011 BBQ Battle event map.

Interested in competing?
See the team application process for important deadlines and instructions.

Interested in judging?
See the judge application process for more information.

Become a sponsor or volunteer
Learn how to become a sponsor or volunteer for the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle.

For more information
For general questions or if you'd like more information on competing or being a judge, call 913.477.7100.