09/14/2026
Long Post Warning ⚠️- The 2026 Harkness Smoke Showdown marked one year of Broke Chair BBQ being a team. What a year it has been! Cres Secchiaroli convinced me to try competition barbecue, I was able to compete in something I loved to do. The Unified Que experience had both Elisha and I hooked for at least another year of Camp Harkness. Seeing our boys compete in Kids Que was so fun.
Who knew that experience would introduce us to so many amazing people who love to cook, have fun, and come together to raise money for great causes. They call themselves the BBQ Family and we instantly felt welcome as a part of it.
After a few equipment upgrades, and several new smokers, we started the year out in New Hampshire to do our best and learn. When Matt Pereira call our name for 2nd Place in Brisket, we both were stunned and so excited. Scott from Sticks & Stones BBQ.. in his shy manner called it “He’s hooked now.” My first time experiencing Rico Pasquale… who couldn’t be more supportive.
We moved on to Somerset Mass in the sweltering summer heat. Got to know some more people. Dan Kimball and Kristen Kimball of 16 Mesh were great to chat with and Heidi Benevides Pereira who just welcomed us both. The Moving Monkey Matthew Carpenter joined us as we explored the area. We earned a call in chicken and had to decide next up.
Kora Shrine Kare for Kids Ride-In was the easy choice! Being a Freemason and getting to help my Shriner Brothers raise funds for a great cause. I also wanted to experience the world famous Humphrey's BBQ Rib Auction. Dave Walker joined the team and up to Maine we went. We asked to be able to participate in the 12 Team Shoot Out to raise more funds for the Shrine. Luckily we were selected.
That whole weekend was an amazing experience! Our cook area became the spot and we got to know so many more people! Chad Humphrey and Nicole (Jillian too) were just the right amount of sarcasm and fun!
I made fast friends with Cody Howard and Jason Pendley of Rollin Smoke BBQ who couldn’t have been more patient and taught me so much. Glad to still chat with them today.
The 51 teams competing were some of the best in the country. We did ok, scoring 41st place, but hell we are brand new… but the 12 Team! I am still shocked to be called “Champion” among so many talented teams!
Then this past weekend with Stephen Socha joining the team, we finishing the year where we started and watching Dean placing 5th in Kids Que and Aaron place 7th in Unified Que made my weekend! I was thrilled to get 2 calls in brisket and pork, and our first top 10 CBA finish.
What a first year of competition!! So many new friends to mention, I am sure I will forget and hear about it later! Thank you all for supporting us and accepting us into the BBQ Family!
