Well, team SIDE is back from New Holland Summerfest 2008 after a long and tiring drive home.  But despite the travels with three small kids, I cannot say enough great things about one of the largest and best run contests in the Northeast.

As always, my wonderful neighbor was there to lend advise and a helpful hand, backing my trailer into my spot after watching me struggle.  Not sure I'll ever master that #@*# thing!

After experiencing how friendly this contest is last year, I decided to bring the family and let them see Amish Country.  Weather was perfect, there was a huge community pool and playground, and lots of horses to keep them occupied so I could get to cookin'.

Unlike most contests, this features six turn-ins, each a half hour apart, starting with sausage, then chicken, ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chef's choice.  Not to bore anyone with the details but I was really proud of how everything went start to finish, not to mention getting to spend time with so many of the 72 teams on hand. 

And while I wasn't able to beat last year's overall placement of 12, I have zero complaints about my 17th place finish.  Top level teams, crazy high scores, a call for 12th place pork, and first in sausage for the second year in a row! 

Anyway, great seeing so many familiar faces and can't wait to start tweaking recipes and begin the countdown to New Holland 09!