By Sarah Shao, Vision Times
PORT JERVIS, New York — On Aug. 2–3, the quaint and scenic town of Port Jervis in upstate New York transformed into a smoky paradise as the Grand American Barbecue Festival made its much-anticipated debut. Held at the New Century facility and co-organized by Great Events USA and the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the two-day celebration drew in top pitmasters, local farmers, and friends and families for a weekend of stellar barbecue, live music, kids’ activities, and community connection.
New Century’s 40-acre property has become the Tri-state area’s go-to destination for fairs, festivals, markets, and family-friendly activities by offering a space to foster and strengthen community ties.
But this wasn’t just your average backyard cookout — the festival featured 50 elite BBQ teams from 20 states, including eight world champions and dozens of state titleholders. All entries were judged by KCBS-certified experts with decades of experience, scoring each dish on presentation, taste, texture, and tenderness.
VIP guests — some traveling from as far as Georgia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and even Washington, D.C. — were treated to exclusive demonstrations and samples from past champions in a private tasting area. With live bands, children’s pony rides, food vendors, and handcrafted goods, the event was a feast for every sense.
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“This is the first year here, but we’ve done hundreds of events in the Northeast,” said Scott Touzian, co-founder of Great Events USA. “We picked this location because of its beautiful setting, great facilities, and the success of past New Century events. We’re building something special here.”
Consistency wins the crown
Claiming the Grand Champion title and a $15,000 prize was the powerhouse team Smokey D’s BBQ from Des Moines, Iowa, led by Darren and Sherry Warth. Their near-perfect score of 711 out of 725 points was a testament to their legendary precision.
“We prepped our meats a week in advance, then drove 1,100 miles over two days to get here,” said Darren. “We’ve won over 100 state championships, and this is our sixth world title.”
For the Warths, the secret to success comes down to one word: Consistency. “Turning in the same high-quality product week after week — that’s what sets us apart,” Darren explained, adding, “It’s more than a hobby. It’s an obsession.”
Since its founding in 2006, Smokey D’s BBQ has grown from a competitive team to a thriving restaurant and catering business, becoming Central Iowa’s go-to destination for award-winning smoked meats.
More than BBQ
While the competition smoked on, the festival’s heart was its connection to local culture and small businesses.
Celtic Valley Carriage, a Middletown-based pony and carriage service, delighted families by providing scenic rides and even a petting zoo for gentle animal interactions. “We’ve done several events with New Century, and it’s always a joy. All the money we earn goes right back into caring for the animals,” said co-founder Fran, adding, “We’re glad to be part of something so family-friendly and community-driven.”
This summer, the event also launched “Coffee and Chaos,” a whimsical hike and morning meetup with goats that’s become a surprise hit. “Kids don’t get very far on the trail,” said Fran with a laugh. “They stop constantly to watch the goats jump around.”
Nearby in Callicoon, sixth-generation Deal Homestead Farm offered raw honey, maple syrup, raw milk, and fresh eggs. Owner Annette Deal noted, “We’re the only licensed raw milk farm in Sullivan County. It’s hard to survive in dairy, but we’re diversifying with garlic, chickens, and even saffron this fall. Events like this help us reach new families and keep local agriculture alive.”
Building a cultural hub
Beyond barbecue, New Century Festivals is working to make the venue a year-round center for community and culture. Earlier this summer, they hosted the “America the Beautiful” festival and the Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance International Art Exhibition, which drew emotional responses from visitors and activists alike.
RELATED: The New Jersey State Fair: A Summer Celebration of Agricultural Traditions and Modern Entertainment
A feast for the stomach and the soul
“We want this to be more than just an event space,” said New Century’s Jin Pang. “It’s about creating a place where the community feels welcome — where farmers, artists, musicians, and families can come together.”
Pang credited improved infrastructure, close cooperation with local law enforcement, and growing regional interest with helping turn the venue into a cultural hub. New Century’s upcoming Moon Festival in September is expected to be the largest event of the year.
All in all, the Grand American Barbecue Festival wasn’t just a culinary showdown — it was a celebration of dedication, community, and joy. From world-class champions turning in flawlessly smoked briskets to local farmers offering raw milk and pony rides, it delivered something rare: An event that fed both stomach and spirit.
