The American Royal World Series of Barbecue® has continued to grow since the inaugural event was held in 1980.  Spreading over 20 acres in Kansas City’s historic Stockyards District, and with over 500 teams competing in four meat categories, The Royal is the largest barbecue contest in the world. Combine this with a barbecue-related trade expo, this four-day food festival is truly the World Series of Barbecue®!  In 2011, this event was voted Favorite Family Festival/Event by Kansas City Visitors' Choice.  The Barbecue, according to best-selling author Patricia Schultz, has been designated as one of 1,000 Places to See in the United States & Canada Before You Die.

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