109°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Community

Fire up the grills: Barbecue challenge draws professional, amateur teams

Larry Archuleta, left, president of the Rotary Club of Boulder City, congratulates Leon Drew, c ...
Larry Archuleta, left, president of the Rotary Club of Boulder City, congratulates Leon Drew, center and Randy Drew of Squat & Gobble after it was named the champion of the 14th annual Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in 2018. The competition returns to Bicentennial Park, 999 Colorado St., this weekend and will run from 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 24 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25.
More Stories
bcr default image
Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places
Norm Zelaya on drums.
And all that jazz (in the park)
bcr default image
Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs
BCR file photo by Ron Eland Around 75 pieces of art done by Connie Ferraro will be on display, ...
Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro
By Celia Shortt Goodyear Boulder City Review
May 22, 2019 - 5:41 pm
 

Boulder City’s annual barbecue competition is back next weekend, filling the town with food, people and fun.

The 15th annual Best Dam Barbecue Challenge runs from 4-10 p.m. Friday, May 24, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25, in Bicentennial Park.

It is put on by the Rotary Club of Boulder City and will feature 28 professional and amateur barbecue teams that will compete in the categories of ribs, pork, brisket, chicken and total overall score, seeking their share of $12,000 in cash prizes and the right to be named the state champion.

The challenge is free to attend. There will be a rib eating contest, live music, a family fun zone and car show as well as food and drinks for sale; among the food vendors will be four selling barbecue.

In addition to the competition for adults, the Best Dam Barbecue Challenge has a children’s competition, KidsQue, for those ages 6 to 17.

“This year it’s free to enter,” said Larry Archuleta, Rotary Club member and event organizer.

The children are divided into two age groups and given chicken, grills and utensils. From there they bring their own creativity and are welcome to add any sauces, spices or rubs to their entry. There will be an instructor to help, if needed.

According to Archuleta, Railroad Pass Casino is sponsoring KidsQue and providing all the food, items and prizes. The first-place winner will receive $100, the second-place winner $75 and the third-place winner $50.

The rest of the weekend will follow the same tradition as past years. The winning barbecue team will qualify for the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, as well as the American Royal World Series of Barbecue.

“It’s still a barbecue competition. … We’re still expecting 8,000 to 12,000 people for the weekend,” Archuleta said.

The barbecue challenge is the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and the proceeds from it go toward a variety of organizations, including Emergency Aid of Boulder City, Lend A Hand of Boulder City, Every 15 Minutes, the Senior Center of Boulder City, the American Legion and Boulder City High School.

Additional information is available at www.bestdambarbecue.com.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
bcr default image
Ordinance promotes cleanliness, accessibility of public places
By City Manager Ned Thomas

Individuals camping in public spaces has increased dramatically in the past few years across the nation. On May 27 the city of Boulder City joined the cities of Reno, Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sparks, along with Clark, Washoe, and Nye counties in passing a measure to expand the prohibition on camping in public places within city limits. The new ordinance goes into effect on June 19, 2025.

Norm Zelaya on drums.
And all that jazz (in the park)
Photos by Ron Eland/Boulder City Review

A relatively small but appreciative crowd turned out Saturday evening for Jazz in the Park, sponsored by the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Department and the Las Vegas Jazz Society. The evening featured the Marlane Coker Quintet and guest at Bicentennial Park.

bcr default image
Flushing faux pas may lead to clogs, costly repairs
By Norma Vally

When it comes to plumbing clogs, we can definitely apply the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”…or in this case, a quart of Liquid Plumr.

BCR file photo by Ron Eland Around 75 pieces of art done by Connie Ferraro will be on display, ...
Art exhibition to showcase work of Connie Ferraro
By Ron Eland Boulder City Review

Connie Ferraro has worn many hats in her life. They have included Broadway dancer, actress, wife of longtime Boulder City Mayor Bob Ferraro and these days, artist.

bcr default image
Year ending on high note at Mitchell Elementary
By Tracy Echeverria Principal, Mitchell Elementary

From the first day to the last, it takes a great deal of energy to get through a school year. The students, staff, and families are ceaseless in their efforts to ensure that we have a great year from beginning to end. We are successful because we are supported by our community.

bcr default image
Mental health in an aging population
Community Heartbeat By the Boulder City Hospital

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviors.

bcr default image
Sunflower Breakfast celebrates King’s parent volunteers
By Jason Schrock Marth P. King Principal

Boulder City’s commitment to community was on full display at this year’s annual Sunflower Breakfast, a heartwarming event dedicated to honoring the incredible volunteers who help our school thrive.

bcr default image
Reframing language in mental health
By Boulder City Community Hospital Community Heartbeat

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

bcr default image
A busy day at Mitchell Elementary
By Tracy Echeverria Principal, Mitchell Elementary

Thursday, April 17, 2025 was an especially magical day at Mitchell Elementary.

Ian Cruz/Boulder City Review After the canine presentation, Junior Rangers lined up to get thei ...
Annual Junior Ranger Day goes off as a hit
By Ian Cruz Boulder City Review

Junior Ranger Day is all about “inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and connecting our community with Lake Mead in a fun, hands-on way,” Park Ranger Max Dotson said.