So, what is the Meat Destroyer?

The Meat Destroyer is a super-awesome All Day / All-You-Can-Eat BBQ picnic, returning to Veterans’ Park in the City of Tonawanda for another afternoon of deliciously competitive barbecue. Shady, secluded Shelter #5 will host the cookout for the third consecutive year. There is a competition throughout the day. Competitors weigh their cooked meats on an ounce scale, and results are tallied on a big ol’ scoreboard. At the end of the day, whoever has eaten the most wins the title & glory of being crowned the Meat Destroyer Champion. The winner gets their name engraved on the Meat Destroyer Trophy, and wins some other awesome stuff, including a custom glass Beer Stein (courtesy of Joshua Wojick). For more on the competition rules check out our competition page.

How long has this been happening?

The MD originated in a backyard in 2004. We took a couple years off, but this is now the 6th MD.

Do I have to compete?

No, but you should! The competition is completely optional, but encouraged. There’s plenty of other stuff to do during the day, and there is plenty of food to sample in tiny increments if that’s your preference.

What sorts of meats can be consumed?

We’ve had a wide variety of grilled meats at the MD over the years. Check out our Meet the Meat section for details!

How long does the competition last?

The main eating competition lasts all day long. So, if you arrive right at noon and pace yourself for all-day meat absorption, you could easily find yourself in title contention.

Who can come?

Anyone is welcome, provided they buy a ticket and are not a tool.

What should I bring?

• Cans or nonperishables for the Food Bank of WNY -this is our first year doing this food drive. Learn more HERE
• A cooler with ice & drinks
• Lawn games
• Lawn chairs
• Blankets for sitting on the lawn if that’s your thing

Are there other contests that involve Meat?

Yes, there are other chances to compete & win something at the Meat Destroyer. The first is the Meat Destroyer Weenie War. It’s a speed-eating hot dog competition. Learn more about the Weenie War HERE.

We also are debuting the Meat Destroyer Elite Meat Contest in 2011. We’ve had a wide variety of awesome meat dishes brought over the years, and now we want to pick out the best in show. Learn more about the Elite Meat HERE.

Should I bring my own meat?

Unless you’re entering in the Elite Meat Contest, you don’t need to bring any meats. There will be plenty to try for all. In the past, some Meat Destroyer Competitors have brought some steaks and large cuts to grill in order to bring their total score up.

Should I bring a side to share?

While we love when people bring sides to share, it’s sad at the end when we have to toss out that big bin of potato salad that was sitting out all day & can’t be reused. We encourage things like chips, cookies or other packaged products that could be donated to the Food Bank if they aren’t used. It’s inevitable that we’ll wind up with a few items that need to get tossed, but we’re trying to make sure that number trends downward each year. So, the bottom line on if you should bring a side to share? It’s up to you.

Will there be beer?

For the past couple MD’s, we’ve had a keg. However, last year it was barely touched, and we’ve opted to focus our energies more on the Meat side of Meat destroyer. So, BYOB please. CANS ONLY.

Will there be other beverages?

It’s wise to bring a cooler full of ice and your favorite summer drinks of choice. We will have some stuff if you forget, but probably not enough to quench the thirst of the masses.

Is there a cost to attend?

Yes. Attendee tickets are $10 presale and $15 the day of the Destroyer. Competitors are $15 presale & day of, since they’ll be tossing down the most meat all day. Kids twelve (12) and under are free. The money from the ticket helps defray the cost of food & promotions. You will get some great take-home schwag (while supplies last), including T-shirts, stickers, and more – not a bad deal considering the quality & quantity of food available. Also, for anyone purchasing presale tickets, you will be entered into a door prize raffle to win 2 sweet Meat Destroyer lawn chairs. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

I’m a vegetarian. Is there anything in this for me?

Vegetarians have attended past Meat Destroyers to rave reviews. Typically we have some good vegetarian fare, like portabella burgers, tofu dogs, corn and a variety of sides. Sadly, there is no competition for the vegetarians, but feel free to start up your own Veggie Destroyer.

Where is does this take place?

Directions & info are HERE

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