Grillers go wild: Competitive chefs square off at Third Annual Smokin' on the Water

POLSON — The music was pumpin’, the beer was flowin’ and the barbecue was smokin’ all day Saturday as the Polson Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors worked their tails off in the hot sun during the Third Annual Smokin’ on the Water barbecue cook-off at the KwaTaqNuk Resort.

“This year was even better than last year,” event organizer La Nita Fitzpatrick said in between her duties as the event’s emcee. “It hasn’t felt as busy as it did last year, but it’s really been a steady flow all day.”

Polson-born cook, Daniel Reese, had been experimenting with his barbecue sauce for about a month.

“I finally got it juuust right,” he said — and the judges agreed. Reese and his team, Three Drunk White Guys, took home the trophy for “Best Sauce.”

“We wanted to come down, have some fun and make some barbecue,” he said. “And we sure did.”

Ronan rancher, Clint Sohr, and his team from the C Lazy S Ranch won top prize in both the pork and chicken categories, but it was Joe Santos, Jr. of Smokin Joe’s who stole the show in the beef category.

The old 44 Bar, now named the Out West Grill, made some scrumptious baked beans that dazzled the judges in the open category.

The Polson Fire Department earned the coveted “People’s Choice Award,” an honor they also received in 2009.

Alongside the cook-off, the KwaTaqNuk Resort hosted a brew tour showcasing local breweries and the free street dance kept crowds happy until the evening concert commenced at Salish Point.