Cook for a cause
Each team competes on behalf of a department-supported charitable fund, youth initiative, or community program.
A founding-year tradition in development
Battle of the Badges
Longview Fire versus Longview Police. Four meats. Two community causes. One traveling Smoke Trophy—and a whole city invited to choose a side.
Civic pride meets community purpose
Who takes home the Smoke Trophy?
We are inviting the Longview Fire Department and Longview Police Department to help launch a friendly barbecue rivalry that families, first responders, local businesses, and the entire East Texas community can rally around.
Each department would field a team and cook for a cause it selects. Festival guests would support the teams through tasting tickets or charitable votes, turning every sample into community impact.
Proposed feature—participation and final format pending confirmationFour meats. One rivalry.
The challenge lineup.
Each department team would put its best smoke forward across four East Texas favorites.
The real win
Bragging rights that give back.
This challenge is designed to celebrate service while helping both departments raise support for meaningful local causes.
Let Longview vote
Guests participate through tasting tickets or charitable votes, creating energy around both teams and both causes.
Carry the trophy
The champion earns the traveling Smoke Trophy, a donation presentation, and citywide bragging rights until the next festival.
Recognition
More ways to win.
- Battle of the Badges Champion
- People's Choice Champion
- Best Brisket
- Best Ribs
- Best Chicken
- Best Sausage
Honor those who serve
A festival moment bigger than barbecue.
The founding-year vision also includes public recognition of firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, dispatchers, active-duty military members, and veterans from the Soul Stage. Admission benefits and ceremony details will be announced only after they are formally approved.
“Friendly rivalry. Charitable giving. East Texas standing together.”
Founding sponsor opportunity
Put your brand behind those who serve.
Battle of the Badges presenting-partner opportunities may include naming recognition, team-banner placement, on-site visibility, award presentation, and media recognition. Final benefits are subject to the approved event format.
Build it with us
Follow the challenge from the beginning.
Team confirmations, chosen causes, voting instructions, schedules, and public-safety appreciation details will be released through official festival channels.