BULLHEAD CITY — Smoke, spice, and serious competition filled Rotary Park as the annual Slab‑O‑Rama barbecue contest brought 60 teams from across the country to Bullhead City for what many consider the unofficial kickoff to the competitive BBQ season.
For pitmasters who travel the nation — and in some cases, the world — this early‑season event offers a chance to earn prize money and accumulate valuable points toward qualifying for the 2027 national championships. Rotary Club President Rich Lettman said the stakes are high for teams hoping to start strong.
“There’s a contest involved that prizes will be given out later today,” Lettman said. “To these teams, including the ability to go to the nationals for 2027, that’s a pretty big deal.”
The event is just as meaningful for the local community. Proceeds support Rotary scholarships, youth programs, and continued improvements at Rotary Park — a project the club has helped develop in partnership with Bullhead City.
“The purpose of today’s event is to raise money for scholarships and other activities, especially for children,” Lettman said. “It is also for the continued development of this park… this event just furthers that effort completely.”
Among the top contenders this year were two well‑known names on the circuit: Loot n’ Booty BBQ and Girls Can Grill.
Girls Can Grill founder Christie Vanover, who began by cooking in her backyard before joining the Nevada Barbecue Association, has become a standout competitor since entering the circuit in 2017.
“I loved cooking in my backyard… and I’ve been running fast ever since,” Vanover said. “The best part of competition barbecue is the people. I love winning, obviously, but some days you don’t win. When you get to hang out with your barbecue family, to me, that’s always a win.”
Vanover also markets her recipes and techniques through her brand, girlscangrill.com.
Sterling Smith of Loot n’ Booty has built an international reputation not only as a competitor but also as an instructor. His line of barbecue rubs is sold at major retailers including Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and can be found online at lootnbootybbq.com.
Smith said judges look for harmony above all else. “They’re looking for a balanced flavor profile — not too sweet, not too salty, not too spicy,” he said. “A balance of everything.”
Slab‑O‑Rama holds special meaning for Smith’s team.
“This is the 11th year for Slab‑O‑Rama,” he said. “We are the only team to compete in this event all 11 years. We love coming up here. We love supporting events in Arizona, and we love cooking barbecue.”
With strong showings and deep ties to the event, both Vanover and Smith are expected to return when Slab‑O‑Rama fires up again next year on the second Saturday in January.
