This was the second year for the 2026 Crysler Old School BBQ Competition & Festival which was held on Sept. 12. From the left: Co-organizers of the BBQ competition, Mark Kenny and Shawn Fisk, took a few minutes to have a photo taken with the three awards to be won at the event. They were created by TheWoodGuy.ca for the event. Thompson Goddard Photo

CRYSLER – Can it get any better than this? A sunny fall day, the opportunity to pick up a new item for someone special, enjoy the scent of BBQ in the air, socialize and enjoy a delicious dinner to finish off the afternoon. This is what people were able to enjoy during the 2026 Crysler Old School BBQ Competition & Festival held at the Crysler Community Centre on Sept. 12.

This was the second year for the event and was organized by Shawn Fisk, co-owner of Crowley’s Deep South Pit BBQ in Berwick, and Mark Kenny owner of The Old General Store in Crysler. This year featured a Vendor Market held in the Crysler Dome featuring 15 local vendors and was organized by Allison Fisk, who with Shawn owns Crowley’s Deep South Pit BBQ.

“It was absolutely wonderful to see the competitors, vendors and community come out to enjoy backyard style BBQ that is accessible and non-judgemental.” commented Allison in an email to The Record the following day.

She explained the concept of the event was that of a backyard BBQ, with activities designed to highlight family and community. People were able to peruse the Vendor Market, with Poutine the Clown providing a face painting activity. Outside the five competitors were busy making sure that their ribs and sides were cooked to perfection.

Shawn explained during an interview at the event how the Crysler competition features strict old school BBQ guidelines, including no pellets, no propane and no power to be used during the cooking of the meat. He continued that the competitors rely on both the skills and traditions associated with the art form of BBQ.

The evening dinner, with 200 tickets sold for the event, was catered by Crowley’s Deep South Pit BBQ. Allison explained the meal featured “Kansas City Style pulled pork on a bun, smoked sausages, mac & cheese, and campfire beans”, with The Old General Store in Crysler providing delicious desserts. Following the dinner and award presentations, people were treated to live entertainment by local entertainers the Green Martini Band.

There were four judges for the competition which featured five competitors. Allison explained the People’s Choice Award was determined by guests who “could buy a plate of each competitor’s ribs (5 ribs) for $10.” She mentioned 60 people participated in this portion of the competition, with all participants casting their vote.

Following the early evening judging, the winners were announced. Beards & Pigtails BBQ (Sandor Kovacs) out of Orleans received first place in the ribs division. The side dish competition was won by Chompers BBQ (Barry and Kayla Buteau) and the People’s Choice Award went to J.&F. Barbecue (Frank Groulx).

Organizers expressed a note of thanks to sponsors which included Cardinal & Sons Meats, Heroes & Zeros, Cooter’s Automotive and Crysler Home Hardware. Allison thanked the volunteers, vendors and staff as well the community for their continued support.

Looking ahead people were advised by Allison to “keep an eye out for even more competition categories, and an expanded vendor’s market” next year.