The secret to Mary Garcia’s success at the McLouth BBQ Blowout wasn’t in her special sauce. It was in her family.

Garcia, whose team, Frank’s Place, has won eight ribbons for its barbecue, gave credit to the 11 relatives who helped her cook.

Veteran barbecue competitor Mary Garcia, McLouth, credits her family with helping her win eight ribbons for her barbecue. Garcia's beef was among a wide range of entries, including pork, chicken, sausage and brisket, presented by 38 teams Saturday at the McLouth BBQ Blowout in Prairie Park. Garcia did not win a ribbon this year.

“You can take all the spices and the best meat in the world, but without my family it just wouldn’t work,” said Garcia of McLouth.

Her family was among 38 teams and hundreds of spectators Saturday at Prairie Park. Cooks entered their finest ribs, pork, brisket, chicken, sausage and miscellaneous creations to compete for the Northeast Kansas BBQ Championship.

Forty-two judges, who were lucky enough to be at the top of the waiting list, dug in and rated meats on appearance, taste and texture. Spectators voted for their personal favorite in the People’s Choice category.

Kathy Scott, a table captain who regulated six judges, said it was easy to spot first-time judges.

“The first-year people always seem to eat too much,” said Scott, McLouth. “If you eat all of the food in front of you, you’d eat about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds.”

From sevens to nines, McLouth Mayor Glen Wear awards points to slices of beef during the city's annual barbecue competition. Wear has been a judge at the event for 11 years. The secret to good judging, said judge Sue McWilliams, McLouth, was simply paying attention to the food and having fun.

Scott rattled off the strict judging rules: Judges may only drink water and can wipe their hands only with dry napkins; during judging rounds, no talking is allowed; and an oath is taken to ensure ethical judging.

The secret to good judging, said judge Sue McWilliams, McLouth, was simply paying attention to the food and having fun.

The grand champion of the Blowout qualifies for the Kansas State Championship, the American Royal BBQ Invitational and a slot in the lottery for the Jack Daniels BBQ Championship.

Boss Hawg’s, Topeka, earned Grand Champion honors and Smoke ‘n Things, Lawrence, grabbed Reserve Grand Champion, or second place. Fat Boys, McLouth, got the People’s Choice nod.