Kansas City is the proud beneficiary and host of the American Royal. I first came to see the American Royal when I was a sophomore in high school, 1977, as an attendee of the National FFA Convention. Talk about taking the boy to the city!

My head was spinning with visions of grandeur and I had a fire in my belly. I never dreamed I would someday be Grand Champion Overall at the Invitational. That win is still atop my list of proudest wins.

Just the thought of fall rolling around the corner takes me to some very good places. One of which stands out among the others is The American Royal, a living legend of BBQ contests!

I first attended the American Royal BBQ in 1987 and can say that this event has help shape my life, just as it has many others. I've had many names for this cook-off: Grand Daddy of them all, Huge, Monster of an event, but none of these monikers seems to work as well as simply "The American Royal". The name itself evokes a feeling excitement in me. Crisp fall air, color of the fall leaves changing, delicious smoke drifting through the air, seeing old friends, and cooking the "Best BBQ On The Planet". Ah!

The American Royal takes on a significant meaning within the American BBQ landscape- largest in the world of all cook-offs, global in draw and participation, most prestigious, historical, funniest, and an event even the public can sink their teeth into. It is truly an "American BBQ Tradition". Kansas City rolls out the welcome wagon every October to host not only the BBQ contests but a series of events including horse shows, bull riding, livestock shows, concerts and all the BBQ you can eat! The participants, contestants, vendors, public and visitors are all winners in this grand event I have come to love. See you there!