BLENHEIM — Marlboro County native Dorian Smith was excited about his first time competing in the fifth annual Marlboro County Country Cook-off on June 19.
Smith, who lives in Williamstown, N.J., traveled down to participate in the event as Soulful Smoke and Cue.
“I know all of the country style guys,” he said. “I wanted to come and showcase my skills too.”
Those skills earned Smith the title of “Best Wing Master.”
Organizers estimated about 2,500 to 3,000 people attended the Marlboro County Country Cook-off.
The event was created by Bennettsville native and nationally known journalist Arthur Fennell, who said he personally spoke with people from Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas.
“The event exceeded our expectations,” he said. “The grill masters were prepared, the food was excellent and the crowds were happy.”
More than 30 grill masters participated in the event.
Cook-off Winners were:
—First place ribs, Suge and Baes BBQ from Griffin, Ga.;
—Second place ribs, Dennis Fennell and Sons from Bennettsville;
—Third place ribs, Letts BBQ from Philadelphia, Pa.;
— Fourth place ribs, Coit and Young BBQ from Bennettsville;
—Fifth place ribs, Hamskin BBQ from Columbia;
—Best Wing Master, Dorian Smith from Williamstown, N.J.;
—Best Sauce, Dennis Fennell and Sons from Bennettsville;
—Best Rub, Charleton “Gissum” Fennell from Bennettsville;
—Best Brisket, What A Pit BBQ from Columbia.
Five scholarships will be given to Lavanda Suggs, Essence Anderson, T’Ahsia Graham, Micaiah Brown, and KaSyla Chapman.
Fennell said the community event has grown by leaps and bounds due to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and fans who support it.
“Marlboro County opened its arms to welcome people from all across America and it truly shows what can happen when people come together to support a good cause,” he said. “We all were blessed. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Joe McDuffie of Hawg Fixins of Wallace competed at the Cook-off for a third time.
He said he came for the camaraderie and the good people.
“I love to cook, and I love to have a good time,” McDuffie said. He grilled ribs, chicken and brisket.
So many people had come through that McDuffie was out of chicken and was almost out of brisket.
“It grows every year,” he said. “This is good because it goes to a good cause.”