The Paola Roots Festival was held last weekend, September 2nd and 3rd, and the winners of the barbeque championship have been announced. Getting Basted, out of Branson Missouri was named the Grand Champion. They had high scores in all categories, chicken, pork, brisket, and a perfect score in pork ribs. According to the Miami County Republic, familiar faces took second and Reserve Champion. Paola based Bull Creek BBQ finished second for the second time and won the Miami County Best trophy for the fourth time. Justin Bowman and his wife operate the Bull Creek BBQ food truck in Miami County. Recently they won the Olathe BBQ Championship and are now qualified for the American Royal at the end of the month.
One highlight of the Roots Festival, for the first time, there was a Backyard Barbeque Competition. Grand Champion was Bushwood BBQ and Reserve Championship went to “Smoke This Drink That BBQ” out of Kansas City.
