Letter to the editor: Barbecue teams love Morgan City

Morgan City residents:
You have done it again. There were 49 cooking teams competing for the title of Grand Champion, for the Bayou BBQ Bash held on 25 July. The Grand Champion for the second year in a row, was Adam Gautreau of Gonzales, and the best Corporate Team was East Gate BBQ, with Harlan Kappel at the helm. Harlan also won the traveling trophy as the best BBQ’er in St. Mary Parish.
It is you the citizens of Morgan City who wowed all of the cooking teams with your friendship and hospitality. Thank you for being the kind people you are. These teams, most of which were here the last three years, have expressed their opinions, unanimously, that this is by far the best location for cooking competition they have ever cooked at. The friendliness, hospitality and courtesies you extend to them make it all the more appreciated by the cooks.
The support you as individuals and the businesses have given is a strong indicator of your appreciation of the event. It is like each of you are a part of the event when you show it your support. You are responsible for its success.
There are some organizations and individuals that deserve special recognition. First and foremost, Danny and Rhonda Titus of Youngsville, who came to Morgan City for each of the planning meetings, managed the parking of the teams and cooked in the event. Thank you, Danny and Rhonda.
Another tireless mover and shaker who sees what needs to be done and is a godsend in organizing and making it happen is Mark Stevens, our own deputy fire chief, along with his wife Dana, son Reed, and fellow firefighters Ferrel DeHart and Dean Ledet. The Marine Corps League helped with cooking the victuals used for the fish fry Friday evening.
The Kids Q, sponsored by Cannata’s Family Market and managed by our own Steve Domanque, had 13 entries and gave each of the entries enough spices, rubs and sauces to keep them supplied for a long time. The winners of both age groups won a very nice barbecue pit, as did the second-place winners.
Lisa Patterson, the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce director of marketing, recruited and filled the Third Street to Federal Way with arts and crafts booths, which draw people to the event. Thank you, Lisa.
Next was the team of Carrie Stansbury for the marketing plan and support from the Cajun Tourist Commission. Your efforts in promoting the Bash are outstanding and appreciated.
Bob Harrison, manager of the Morgan City Hampton Inn and Suites and chairman of the board for the chamber, showed his support by holding the Meet the Cooks Business after Hours on Thursday and through tireless working for the two days of the event, together with the Amelia Belle for the Bands make all the difference in the attendance of the event.
Elite Graphics, Elite Trophies and Hanko’s Metal works produce trophies with wooden bases by Dick Rose Hamacher. They are in demand for their uniqueness by the barbecue teams. The special St. Mary Parish traveling trophy created by Apex CNC was a first this year. The trophy is a work of engineering and machining art, won by East Gate BBQ. Thank you, Apex, and congrats, East Gate.
Some of the major contributors with in kind support or corporate cooking teams John Cart (State Farm Insurance), Wal-Mart Bayou Vista, Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, Cannata’s Family Grocery, G & J Land and Sea, off duty firefighters (Mark Stevens and crew), Sportsman’s Cycle & Marine, Vita Paint, Sub Surface Tools, Conrad, Quality Cleaners, the St. Mary Marine Corps League, Sewart Supply with three teams, Mc Bank, Teche Hospital, Spring Leaf Financial, A.J Second Street Pub, Cameron, Inter Coastal Redi Mix, Omega Waste and Lewis Pitman.
We also had a number of folks running for public office who were sponsors. We hope they will continue to support the bash in the future, whether not they get elected. They are: David Hanagriff, running for St. Mary president; Nick LaRocca, running for state district judge, and Billy Nungesser, running for lieutenant governor.
I know there are others including individuals who bought T-shirt ads or contributed items for the team goodie bags or provide things. I’m sorry if I forgot someone, but believe me every bit helps.
The one thing a lot of people forget is every item and job is important to the success of any endeavor. The most menial task, if not performed, can be the downfall of an otherwise successful venture. Remember the adage, “My kingdom for a horse.”
You the citizens of Morgan City have stepped to the plate and contributed to the success of the Bayou BBQ Bash through your patience and understanding. I salute and thank you for letting us bring the competition barbecue teams to our city. The barbecue teams and I collectively love you, Morgan City. Thank you for your patience with us. We will keep trying to meet your expectations
Don and Mata Tellman
Morgan City