ATTENTION NEXT-GEN PITMASTERS!
It’s time for the young chefs to step up to the grill and show off their culinary creativity! We’re thrilled to host the Commander’s Cup: NEBS Kids Q Competition, where the future of barbecue gets to turn up the heat and cook for top honors!
Sanctioned by the Northeast Barbecue Society (NEBS), this fun and high-energy event lets kids showcase their skills, compete for awards, and earn points toward NEBS Team of the Year standings!
THE CATEGORY: "ANYTHING WITH CANDY"
We’re challenge-testing our young cooks to unleash their imagination!
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The Rules: Incorporate any candy of choice into a delicious dish. Sweet, savory, or a wild combination of both—the sky's the limit!
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Presentation: Delivered in a provided 9x9 box with OPEN GARNISH rules (decorations, skewers, stuffing, and creative presentation are all fair game!). Just bring 6 identifiable portions for our judges.
COOKING & FUEL FREEDOM
Kids Q teams have complete flexibility on how they bring their dish to life:
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Fuel Allowed: Wood, pellets, charcoal, propane, OR electricity!
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Site Perks: 20’ x 20’ sites with water, trash, ash disposal, restrooms, AND electricity available on site!
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Safety First: Teams will have access to wash stations, fire safety, and sanitation protocols to keep it a fun, safe cooking environment for everyone.
JUDGING & AWARDS
Entries will be evaluated through double-blind judging based on Appearance, Taste, and Texture. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded based on total team participation!
READY TO CLAIM THE KIDS Q TITLE?
Spaces for young pitmasters are filling up fast! Keep candy packages unopened until arrival inspection, gear up your cookers, and get ready to create something unforgettable.
Head over to www.nebs.org to review the full contest guidelines, check membership details, and register your team today!
Let’s see what the next generation of pitmasters can dream up!
Complete details can be found in the cooks packet.
2026 Commanders Cup Kids-Q
Teams may sign up with link below
2026 Commanders Cup Team Sign Up
Judges may sign up with this link
2026 Commanders Cup Judge Sign Up