The Time Capsule | Roy Marshall
There’s the deckle and the bark, the money muscle and the Texas crutch, the shiner and the 160 stall; a place where a spare has nothing to do with tires and neither does a blowout, where a mop never touches the floor, a fat cap is good and low and slow the way to go.
BBQ-ers have a language of their own.
For regulars a crutch is aluminum foil, the exposed bone on an overcooked rib is called a shiner and a deckle is the point of a brisket. Several years ago the Iowa Barbecue Society coined another phrase, creating a program they called the “Senior Q.” The purpose was to thank seniors for what they’ve done and recognize them as an important part of our communities. The society asked for and received a proclamation from the governor designating October as “Senior Q Month,” then promoted a series of special contests.
This, in general, is how they work: an assisted living facility, care center, retirement community or something similar serves as host. Competitors smoke. At mid-afternoon on the chosen day a panel of judges – either trained and certified or senior residents with wisdom and experienced palates – test the samples and make their decisions. The winners are recognized, tell a fib about their rub recipe, after which the kitchen staff serves and the feast begins.
The concept went well in eastern and northern Iowa and into Missouri, with an impressive example being The Fountains of Greenbriar, a retirement center in Independence. After ten consecutive years theirs has evolved into an event that spans two days. Friday evening is a dessert competition and happy hour, at which Q-ers and residents swap stories over a glass of wine. Saturday is judging followed by awards and the main event – a smoked meat banquet for all.
These need not be as large and elaborate as the gala in Independence to go over well. Even so, as far as I can determine there’s never been a Senior Q in southwest Iowa. That needs to change.
The guy in the back office at the Express said go for it. I’ve identified a senior center anxious to be involved. Mike at Red Oak’s Hy-Vee agreed to enter a couple of ribs and a brisket. Now all we need are a few back-yarders who’ll make it a contest. Any reader who thinks he or she can smoke something to be proud of is welcome to enter. There’s no entry fee, but you’ll furnish what you smoke. We’ll encourage competitors to work on-site, but this isn’t practical for some, nor is ours a KCBS sanctioned contest, so smoking in your back yard is allowed. The date – probably Oct. 7 – is pending until I can co-ordinate among those involved.
Some contests are intended to attract the heavy hitters; teams from Omaha and elsewhere who arrive with high-end campers and an entourage, pay a hefty fee and go for thousands of dollars in prizes. They’re welcome, but there’s no money in this one so we’re counting on the holiday warrior who fires up in the back yard for friends and family. The contest will be as fair as we can make it, with an authentic Star Onyx Crystal trophy for the winners.
If you’re interested my number’s in the Stanton phone book or use the email below.
Roy Marshall is a local historian and columnist for the Red Oak Express. Contact him at news@redoakexpress.com.