2021 EffingHAM-JAM Opens Friday Night

Barbecue Teams from all over the United States will be traveling to downtown Effingham this weekend to compete for cash and bragging rights at the EffingHAM-JAM BBQ Cookoff located on the Old Courthouse grounds.

Proceeds from the event will support the Chamber Foundation of Effingham County’s Scholarship Program as well as the Foundation’s community-wide initiatives.

The Foundation will officially debut EC-JOBS (Effingham County Job Opportunities for Business Success) soon. EC-JOBS is a web-based platform that is being created specifically for Effingham County school districts, Lake Land College, and county businesses. EC-JOBS creates a talent pipeline from school to work for high school students, community college students, parents, displaced workers, and incumbent workers. Be on the lookout for more information.

This event, presented by Koerner Distributor, Inc., is designed to create a community draw and encourage the community to come out and show their support. The Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts, with over 15,000 members worldwide and sanctions over 400 barbeque events coast-to-coast throughout America, Canada, and Mexico.

The weekend activities get underway with judging; tastings of the Hometown Throwdown Corporate Challenge, sponsored by Lakeside EMS, Visiting Angels, and Martin's Save A Lot, at 5:30pm on Friday, where teams of amateur BBQ enthusiasts will compete for category trophies with the Grand Champion receiving $250 cash and the “Top Hog” Traveling Trophy. The Troubadours will open for Loose Lips, formerly known as Fish On! one of Nashville’s finest rock and roll bands, featuring Effingham’s own Myles Baker who will be on stage all Friday evening. Visitors can also check out the barbeque contestant area the entire evening to learn more about the teams who have traveled to Effingham for the competition. Thanks to the City of Effingham, attendees will be able to move around the event area with beverages purchased at the Beer Tent.

Start your Saturday off by perusing the Effingham Farmers Market, sharing your musical talents during Open Mic, enjoying some delicious pancakes & coffee compliments of Continental Mills & Fox Holler Coffee, or touring the Courthouse Museum.

The official KCBS Barbeque Championship Competition gets underway at 12pm with teams competing in a variety of delicious categories. Judging concludes at 2pm, and the official awards ceremony wraps up the KCBS Championship event at 4pm.

A variety of local food and non-food vendors will be set up in the square both Friday & Saturday. Stop by and Support Local.

Current event sponsors for the 2021 EffingHAM-JAM include the Effingham County Chamber Foundation, Koerner Distributor Inc. (Presenting), Lakeside EMS, Visiting Angels & Martin’s Save a lot (Hometown Throwdown), John Boos & Co. (trophy), Imagine This! Marketing Group (marketing), Wabash Communications/IL Fiber Connect/Montrose Mutual Telephone Co., City of Effingham/Effingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Land of Lincoln Credit Union, Leisure Times Pools & Spas Ltd., AKRA Builders, Inc., Crossroads Bank, Law Group of Illinois LTD, SDS Technology, Sherwin Williams Company, Al’s Tire Mart & Electronics, Cornerstone Church, Corrie Appraisal & Consulting, Country Financial-Tammy Douthit, Effingham Prompt Care, First Mid Bank & Trust, Jansen’s Heating & Air, RE/MAX Key Advantage-Jeff Speer & Alexis Speer, Siner Auto Detailing, Southtown Car Wash, The New York Blower Company, Wortman Printing Company, Agracel, Inc., First National Bank of Waterloo, S I R Investigations, LLC, Smoky’s House BBQ, Stillwater Enterprises, Inc., The Marxman Group, Weis Insurance Agency, LLC, Heartland Towing & Recovery, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Sanitation Service, Inc., and Teutopolis Banquet Hall.

Follow the HAM-JAM Facebook page for more updates.