Smokin J’s Barbeque spent five days camping at the Flamingo Lake RV Resort for the 6th Annual Smokin’ Flamingo BBQ & Music Festival.
It was a mini-vacation, for us; not just a barbecue competition.
There have only been a few Georgia Barbecue sanctioned events at RV campgrounds and this was one hellva campground.
Over 285 full hook-up camping sites offering both 50 and 30 amp service, cable, sewer, and water, along with 4 furnished cabins and two Yurts, provide diversified camping experiences (no tent camping allowed).
Other amenities at Flamingo Lake RV Resort include free wi-fi service, laundry facilities, a general store, and a large Walmart within 5 minutes of the park.
For the kids, a large playground, a swimming pool, a beach area on the lake, and a large rec hall are available.
The Sun Rise Cafe is located in the campground, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week, with delivery to your campsite, free of charge.
Although a large campground and sites to accommodate larger rigs, in some areas, the sites are extremely close together.
Close enough that you can hear your neighbor’s conversations.
Because the 17-acre resort is so large, golf-carts can be rented by the day, on-site.
Which during a barbecue competition, was a necessity for some teams.
Be aware, many sites are occupied by either full-time residents or “snow-birds…” those visitors traveling from up north, for a bit of Florida warmth.
Friday Night Steak Competition
Only our second steak competition, we are still learning the skills it takes to place in the top 10.
Disappointed in our “middle of the pack” placement, we might need to add a bit more salt to our meat.
However, we thought our steak was delicious – good enough to be our dinner on Friday night.
Barbecue Competition Main Event
The Florida Barbecue Association sanctioned the previous five barbecue festivals at Flamingo Lake in Jacksonville, Florida, however, the Georgia Barbecue Association sanctioned event attracted a record-setting 59 teams for the 2018 contest.
The best competition barbecue teams from Georgia and Florida competed for over $15,000.00 in payouts!
One of the largest in GBA history!
We were very proud of our 19th place overall performance.
Taking home a check and walking to the stage for 10th overall in the pork category.
We were just shy of receiving a check for our ribs, 12th overall.
We are still working on perfecting our loin submission, however, we will be taking a short break from the Georgia Barbecue Association until April.
Our next stop will be our first ever, Kansas City Barbecue Society competition in March, held in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Be sure to sign up for our emails to stay notified of our competition schedule.
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