Tasty new event debuts at this year’s Cool Desert Nights in Richland
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- Smoke & Shine Showdown will be hosted on Saturday, June 27.
- Six teams will cook chicken wings and spare ribs for judges, then the community.
- Teams keep 75% of profits; the chamber donates 25% to the Tri‑Cities Veteran Cemetery.
Get ready to don your judging hat, as Cool Desert Nights hosts its inaugural barbecue competition: Smoke & Shine Showdown.
This daylong competition is planned for the second day of the festival, Saturday, June 27.
Six teams of barbecue masters will go head-to-head, cooking chicken wings and spare ribs for a panel of judges, and later the community.
Teams will arrive before 6:30 a.m. to get barbecuing.
“It’s a long day for these teams,” Chandra Christenson, executive director of the Richland Chamber of Commerce, said. “We’re hoping the public really comes out and supports them.”
After a morning full of cooking, the teams will present their dish to the judges, including a council member and six team members from MH Construction, who will crown a grand champion, reserve grand champion and more. The prize purse totals $2,000.
Community members get their chance to participate in the tasty competition starting at 11 a.m.
Buy $2 tokens and sample the leftover barbecue from the teams.
The teams get to keep 75% of the profits, while the chamber will donate 25% to the Tri-Cities Veteran Cemetery Project, a mission dedicated to get a Veteran cemetery in the Tri-Cities.
MH Construction is the sponsor for the event and also a veteran-owned business.
“I think anytime a nonprofit like a chamber does an event in the community, it’s important to give back,” Christenson said.
If barbecue isn’t for you, the festival will have lots of other food vendors available to choose from.
On Saturday morning from 7-11 a.m., the Kiwanis Club of Richland will be hosting a pancake breakfast. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for kids. If you’re craving a pancake, make sure to bring cash or a check.
Food trucks include Grace and Gather Coffee Company, Mezzo Thai, Sweet Snack Attack and more.
Know of a restaurant or bar opening or closing in the Tri-Cities area? Send your tips to emma.zawacki@tricityherald.com
