Where there’s smoke, there’s great barbecue!
Presented in partnership with title sponsor MasterCraft Builder Group, the Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam returns to St. Johns County Fairgrounds on Jan. 11 for an epic day of barbecue, chili, “chowda,” music, cars and more.
The fairgrounds are located at 5840 State Road 207 in Elkton.
Every dollar raised by the event goes to support the philanthropic work of Jimmy Jam Community Outreach, a local organization rooted in giving and friendship.
“The event was inspired by our dear friend, James ‘Jimmy Jam’ Wray,” says Tim Gause, vice president of Jimmy Jam Community Outreach. “He loved barbecue, he loved cars, but, more than anything, he was committed to leaving this world a better place by helping anyone he could. This event funds the work we do through Jimmy Jam Community Outreach. Funds stay local to help our neighbors in times of need, whether it’s with meals, wheelchair ramps, bills, repairs and more. And let me tell you, Jimmy Jam would have loved all of this.”
As seen on Food Network’s “BBQ*USA,” the Jimmy Jam BBQ Slam is the largest barbecue competition in North Florida. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, it features the best pitmasters from across the nation, competing at either the Backyard or Pro level. Teams will serve up barbecued chicken, ribs, pork and brisket. A panel of certified judges will decide the winners, with the awards presentation at 5 p.m.
Barbecue will be served to the public from 2 to 4 p.m., and visitors will vote for the People’s Choice Award.
New this year is a sanctioned chili cookoff, where anyone can compete to take the top prize. By popular demand, the Food Mafia is bringing back the Chowda Bowl. Local restaurants will offer their take on the classic chowder to see who wins the top prize.
Chowder tasting begins at 11 a.m. and finishes at 3 p.m.
The Car Show is another showpiece of the event, featuring specialty and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Visitors can check out all of the rides, with trophies presented to the best whips at noon.
Attendees can compete in a cornhole tournament, with registration beginning at 11 a.m. and bags flying at noon. The free kids’ zone is packed full of games and activities for the littlest barbecue fans, while more than 50 vendors offer an array of goods, from datil sauce and candy to art, candles, jewelry and more.
Live music will set the stage all day, with acts including Stephen Quinn, Dewey Via Band and Orlando Mendez.
Tickets are on sale at eventbrite.com/e/9th-annual-jimmy-jam-bbq-slam-car-show-tickets-940626688747?aff=erelexpmlt and are $15 now and $20 beginning Dec. 1. Kids age 10 and younger will be admitted free. The Cornhole Tournament and Car Show require additional tickets.
Gates open at 10 a.m., and parking is free.
