(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the BELIA committee).

Eight Pitmaster ‘Smokers’ vied for three top prizes and ‘People’s Choice’ awards at Saturday’s Pulled Pork Cook-Off at Lupulin Brewery in Big Lake. 

All of the smokers presented hungry attendees and the judges with excellent smoked pork samples and sauces, taking great pride in their recipes, skills, and presentation. The smokers received their pork samples from the BELIA committee at 9 p.m. Friday night and smoked them through the night. 

Following are the winning teams:

First Place – Jeff and Christin Hegle ‘Backyard Smokers’ of Big Lake;

Second Place – The Lundt Family ‘BBQ Boys’ of Big Lake;

Third Place – Greg Muhs ‘Squeal Team Six’ of Carver;

People’s Choice – Dan Lundt of the ‘BBQ Boys’

The BELIA would also like to thank Wilk Wilkinson ‘Wilk’s World Smokin Team’ of Clearwater, Ryan Schaff ‘Pig and a Pint’ of Coon Rapids, Todd Orgon ‘Pork Privilege’ of Big Lake, Brad Gunderson ‘The Pork Bellies’ of Becker and Matthew Connoy ‘Smokin Greenhorns’ of Becker for their outstanding contributions.

Salutations go out to this year’s judges — Raeanne Danielowski and Tim Dolan, Sherburne County Commissioners; Matt Hayen, Big Lake Chief of Police; Paul Knier. Mayor of Big Lake; and Larry Sperr of Russell’s on the Lake. 

“Thank you to Jason Wester and Lupulin Brewing for allowing us the use of their facilities and facilitating our event in so many ways,” said Lori Andreen of BELIA. “Thank you to Carlton Mitchell and Tom Kouchoukos from Maple Grove and their band ‘The New Vintage’ for providing great music and upbeat atmosphere for our event.”

“Thank you to our amazing team of volunteers, for all your efforts planning, shopping, calling, organizing, serving, etc., etc.,” Andreen continued. “We couldn’t have done it without you. Also Adria and Chad Pettit, John Smullen, Julie and Chad Brenteson, Kathie Lewis, Kim DeVries, Kristen Vigoren, Lori and Ken Andreen, Lori and Rick Neisess, Marcie Swanson, Margaret Nelson, Marie and Jeff Johnson, Paul Ellinger, Raquel and George Wallin, Sam and Dwight Buehler, Sandy and Kevin McClurq, Sarah and Brad Phillips, Wanda and Steve Hourscht. If anyone is missing, I apologize!”

Lastly, thank you to Kris Biser who started us on this path. You are missed.”

“This was a truly delicious way to spend a Saturday afternoon and support Big Eagle Lake. It’s all about raising the funds to care for our beautiful lake. Thank you all!”