Happy New Year everyone!

We had a cooks meeting tonight – Frank, Erik, Dusty plus President Clay, Treasurer Misty, and PR Director Paul – and sorted a few things out for 2017. First and foremost is that we will NOT be raising dues this year. It’s going to be $350 individual, $500 couple (must be an established, real-life couple), same as 2016, going up to $400 individual/$550 couple on April 1. Memphis in May is raising fees in almost every category this year but we have decided not to pass those costs on to our members. The PayPal widget is now active on the website for your 2017 dues payment (see the right sidebar, bottom of the page if on mobile). Prefer to pay cash for your dues? No problem, call Misty at 901-337-1046.

• That being said, we do have to write a rather large check to Memphis in May mid-February! If you are financially flexible, or if you received Christmas money and don’t have a destination for it, you would help the team out a lot if you paid your dues early.

The cooks also decided they want to commit to the same three regional festivals as last year – Atoka (March 31), Southaven Springfest (late April), and Senatobia (late May). We hauled in some trophies and prize money at these in 2016, and every chance Frank and Erik get to present their entries to a judge is valuable. Winning regionals is the path to becoming a big dog team at BBQ Fest.

We are always looking for good people who want to be part of our BBQ family, so if you know of someone who would be a good fit as a team member send them our way. Thanks everyone and happy 2017! We will be in touch again soon.