Race day’s here. Today’s the start of the BBQ’n at the Autry contest, my first ever as competitor in the sport of BBQ. Seriously, people call it “the sport of barbecue.” Any activity where beer drinking plays an integral role is a game, like bowling, poker, or bass fishing. Tune in and watch on ESPN 8: “The Ocho.”

Luckily, I’ll be with three other Los Angeles food bloggers and together, we’ll throw our best shots against professional barbecue caterers / competitors. Cooking starts on Friday, and the judging begins at noon on Saturday. If you want to sample the barbecue, be sure to arrive before noon so you can try all the different meats (chicken, ribs, pork shoulder, and beef brisket) the competitors will cook.

There’s lots of other things to do at the Autry National Center. It’s a Western history museum, and there’ll be cooking demonstrations, live bands, and other things I’ll be too busy to see. Check the Autry website link above for more details, and bring the meshpucha.

If you’re coming to visit, stop by the Four Q BBQ team tent. I’m the token Asian guy with no hair. We’ll busy before judging time and may not have a whole lot of time to chitchat with you, but say howdy anyway. Wish us luck!