What to Expect (and Eat) at The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship

by Abby Montanez
New Jersey State Barbecue Championship

Summer is in the air and that means it’s time to check off a couple of bucket list items. For many NJ residents alike, that means going to the Jersey Shore, attending an outdoor festival and of course, devouring some delicious barbecue. The upcoming New Jersey State Barbecue Championship encompasses all three beloved pastimes—and it’s taking place soon. 

Barbecue is not created equal. Sure, casual observers might think all brisket and ribs sound (or look) the same. However, each local pitmaster has its own meat-to-smoke-to-time ratio. Not to mention secret recipes, creative side dishes and sauces, too. If you’re ready to form an opinion of your own, the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is the place to do it.

When and where is the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship taking place?

The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship will be taking place from July 8 through July 10, 2022, in North Wildwood. The annual event is hosted by the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company and coincides with the Anglesea Blues Festival. The food and music-oriented fundraiser will span six blocks and feature cooking demonstrations from local pitmasters, additional food vendors and a main stage with live music. Admission to both the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship and Anglesea Blues Festival is free.

How did the event start?

Nearly 25 years ago, in 1999, the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company began hosting a barbecue competition on the second weekend in July. Today, it’s the third-largest event in Wildwood. Each year, the proceeds go towards different scholarships, local charities and benefitting the firehouse. In addition, the winner of the competition receives a grand champion prize and a chance to compete at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City. Aficionados know it as the largest barbecue competition in the world.

What’s on the menu?

There will be 68 pitmasters attending the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship this year. Some are based right here in the Garden State, while others are expected to hail from other regions in the Northeast. 

Goers will have the opportunity to sample everything from juicy pulled pork and smoked chicken to beef brisket, sausage, baked beans, cornbread, mac & cheese and much more. Additional food and drink vendors will also be present. Beignets, craft brews, ice cream and smothered fries are all in the mix.

Let us know if you’ll be attending this iconic three-day festival. To see the main stage lineup for the Anglesea Blues Festival, click here.

About the Author/s

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Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.

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