Saluting With SMoke
BBQ Festival & FundraiserSeptember 15-17, 2023
Raging Waves Water Park
Yorkville, IL

MZHH Battle of the Branches
Five teams of four Veterans representing each military branch are led by World Champion Caliber Pitmasters to be crowned the best military branch of service.
This competition is unlike a standard contest, as the Pitmasters, are not allowed to TOUCH ANYTHING! They must coach their Veterans through the entire competitive process.
BBQ teams present their dish to a panel of celebrity judges while being filmed and broadcast nationally.
Join us on Saturday, September 16, and watch some of the best BBQ cooks in the sport battle head-to-head to be crowned the grand champion military branch

Support Your Branch Of Service
Teams that raise the most money will receive a competitive advantage. Root your favorite branch of service on to victory and donate to them today
Sterling Smith - Veteran
Loot N Booty
Representing US Navy
Lee Hickel - Veteran
Redmule’s Bad Ass BBQ
Representing US Coast Guard
Chris Webb - Veteran
Bushmaster BBQ
Representing US Army
Richard Fergola
Fergolicous BBQ
Representing US Marine Corps
Brad Leighninger
Gettin Basted
Representing US Air Force
Apply to Compete as a Veteran
Are you a Veteran that would like to compete on a BBQ team? No experience is required to join our mission.
We’re currently accepting applications from Veterans across all branches.
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