FUTURE PITMASTERS WANTED: BABY MAC’S KIDS-Q CHALLENGE!
Hey parents! Do your kids love to grill? Do they have a secret recipe that blows everyone away at backyard barbecues? It is time to let the next generation of grill masters take center stage at Baby Mac’s Kids-Q Challenge—an official NEBS sanctioned event!
UPDATE: The winner of this event earns a GOLDEN TICKET and FREE ENTRY to the 2027 World Food Championship Junior Championship.
This is the ultimate chance for young cooks to show off their skills, run their own mini cooking site, and compete for trophies, glory, and crucial NEBS Team of the Year (TOY) points!
THE CHALLENGE: ULTIMATE HOT DOGS
The category is a backyard classic, but the creativity is entirely up to them:
- The Meat: Beef, pork, turkey, or chicken hot dogs are all welcome.
- The Rules: Anything goes! They can top it, sauce it, or flavor it however they see fit.
- Open Garnish: Go wild! Wrapping, stuffing, skewers, and decorations of any kind (edible or not) are fully allowed in the box.
HOW IT WORKS (THE RULES)
We keep it professional, fair, and fun! This event uses the official NEBS double-blind judging system.
- Any Fuel Allowed: Unlike the adult division, kids can use any fuel source! Wood, pellets, charcoal, propane, or electricity are all perfectly fine. Bring your own favorite grill or smoker!
- Inspect Before You Cook: Hot dogs must arrive uncooked and unseasoned. No pre-flavoring, pre-stuffing, or marinating before our onsite meat inspectors give the green light.
- The Turn-In: Young chefs must present at least six (6) separate, identifiable portions in the official contest-provided 9x9 container. Keep it anonymous—no team names or markings on the box!
COOKING SITE & AMENITIES
Your junior chef gets a real competition space to set up their dream kitchen:
- Generous Space: A minimum 20’ x 20’ cooking site for your tents, tables, and grills.
- Power & Water: Onsite water and nominal electricity (10amp max) are available. Long extension cords or quiet generators are highly recommended.
- Disposal: Dedicated trash, ash, and grease disposal are provided on the grounds.
- Safety First: Every team needs access to an ABC fire extinguisher and a 3-stage washing station (wash, rinse, sanitize).
JUDGING & PRIZES
Real NEBS judges will score the entries blindly based on three strict criteria: Appearance, Taste, and Texture.
- Trophies: Big bragging rights and awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers!
- Team of the Year: Earn official points toward the NEBS TOY standings! (Note: The chief cook (or parent) must be a paid NEBS member at the time of the contest for points to count. No backdating allowed!).
Let's get the kids cooking. Space is limited, so secure your child's cooking spot today!
Sign up now and let the next generation rule the pit!
For contest rules, details, check out the Cooks Packet
2026 Baby Macs KidsQ Cooks Packet
Teams and Judges register below
2026 Baby Macs A Wish Come True Team Registration
2026 Baby Macs A Wish Come True Judge Registration