In the heart of Lynchburg, Tennessee, where the aroma of smoke mingles with the rich history of Jack Daniel’s, a new tradition has taken root—the Frontier Days Steak Cookoff, sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA). Hosted by the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce alongside partners Jack Daniel’s and Lodge Cast Iron, this event marked its debut with flair and flavor.

The festivities kicked off on Thursday night with a warm welcome to 21 new SCA judges, expanding the family of aficionados dedicated to perfecting the art of steak grilling. Friday night saw the first of many ancillary competitions, starting with a sizzling Wings showdown. Susan Handy of Virginia clinched the win, passing her coveted Golden Ticket to Michael Underwood. The stakes rose as Gene Skillin triumphed in the Friday Steak category, gifting his Golden Ticket to Craig Sanders.

Saturday brought delight to young grill masters with the Kids Pork Chop competition, sponsored by TN Craft Butcher and Two Sisters BBQ. Olivia Noble claimed victory, while Ronald Burns of Hotty Totty generously contributed to the prize pool, ensuring all participants left with a smile.

For those with a sweet tooth, the Dessert category presented a unique challenge: incorporating Jack Daniel’s into Lodge Cast Iron creations. Teresa Nester of Virginia dazzled the judges and secured her Golden Ticket, passed on to Katelyn Crain.

As temperatures soared into the high 90s, competitors faced both the heat of the grill and the summer sun. Yet, this only added to the excitement as Randy English from East Tennessee and Justin Humphries from Indiana emerged victorious in the Steak A and Steak B categories respectively. The final flourish came with Heath Bletzacker of Ohio claiming top honors in the Ribs category, capping off an unforgettable weekend of culinary prowess.

Beyond the grill, Marsha Hale and Jack Daniel’s hosted a lively raffle featuring a coveted Yeti cooler brimming with essentials—rubs, a cookbook, Jack Daniel’s merchandise, and a sign—a testament to the community support and camaraderie that fueled the event.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for June 27-28, 2025, as Lynchburg prepares to once again host the Frontier Days Steak Cookoff. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a passionate spectator, this event promises to ignite your senses and celebrate the timeless art of barbecue in true Lynchburg style.

For more information and updates, visit Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce and stay tuned for the sizzle of next year’s Frontier Days Steak Cookoff.