Nelson & Schwarz crowned “King Smokers”
The Glenboro Hall was filled with the sweet and savoury aromas of smoked brisket and pork butt as nine seasoned “smokers” showcased their tried-and-true recipes – many perfected over years of practice – during the Glenboro Ag Society’s first-ever Smoke Your Face Off Competition, held on May 24. Each delicious meat sample was served with a bun, coleslaw and baked beans – side dishes that earned their own share of compliments from attendees, who also acted as the competition’s judges.
The baked beans ended up being an unexpected hit of the evening. With no one on the committee having much experience making them, Sara Smith stepped up to find a well-loved recipe – and it paid off. The sweet and smoky beans rounded out the plates and drew plenty of compliments from guests.
Following the flavourful feast, the votes were tallied, and it was decided that Steve Nelson took top honours for his brisket, while Jurgen Schwarz claimed victory for his pork butt.
Each winner proudly received a custom apron boasting their achievement – a fitting prize for the newly crowned King Smokers.
“The votes were so close on both sides of the competition. All the entries were excellent – I could hear many people going back and forth on which they liked best,” chuckled Ernie Bezaire, one of the event organizers.
Nelson, who earned top marks for his tender brisket, shared that he’s been experimenting with different spices since getting his smoker a few years ago. “It’s the entire process – from the length of time in the smoker to the spices in the rub. I don’t really have a secret recipe; it varies each time,” he said when asked for tips for fellow smokers.
Schwarz, who won with his flavour-packed pork butt, does have a signature blend – though it remains under wraps. “I’ve been smoking for about three years, and through trial and error have come up with this sweet dry rub,” he shared.
This was the first competition either man had entered, and both said they’d be back. “You can’t have enough aprons!” they joked.
Approximately 80 people attended the event, and each guest received two tickets to cast their votes – one for their favourite brisket and one for their favourite pork butt. Samples were served in coloured cupcake liners, each corresponding with a matching paper bag where attendees dropped their tickets.
The evening also celebrated Manitoba-made products. The 6–8 lb briskets were sourced from Cypress River Meats, with Glenboro Co-op providing the pork and coleslaw. The dry navy beans came from Hansel Co-op. Even the refreshments showcased local spirit, featuring craft beer from Section 6 in Brandon and cider from Woodengate Cider in Pilot Mound.
Bezaire noted that the evening went “really well.” While final numbers hadn’t yet been compiled, the enthusiastic turnout and positive feedback point toward the Smoker Competition becoming an annual tradition.
Proceeds from the event will support the Glenboro Ag Society’s annual high school scholarship, helping local students pursue their post-secondary goals.
PHOTO CAPTION: Steve Nelson (right) is all smiles as he receives his hard-earned prize of a custom apron from Ernie Bezaire of the Glenboro Ag Society for the best brisket of the evening.
