BBQ ENTRANTS HAVE UNTIL SATURDAY TO ENTER

Is your grill ready? Do you have the secret ingredients that could make you the best barbecuer in the area? If so, then the Cape BBQ Fest is the place for you.

The third annual BBQ Fest competition is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26, at Arena Park. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business committee is sponsoring the event.

The objective of the BBQ Fest is to promote agriculture and the beef and cattle industry, said event chairman Tom Schulte.

Teams or individuals can test their barbecuing skills during the contest, which is open to anyone 18 or older. Youth ages 14-18 should be accompanied by an adult. Judging will begin at noon Aug. 26. A grand champion will be announced at 3 p.m.

A $200 prize and trophy will be awarded to the highest scoring team. A cash prize and trophy or ribbon will be awarded to each top place team in the categories.

Teams must cook in four of the six categories -- hamburgers, beef kebabs, beef brisket, pork ribs, pork Boston butts and pork steaks-- to qualify for the grand-champion trophy.

Entries will be judged for flavor, appearance, aroma, tenderness and doneness.

Teams can practice cooking and test recipes on Friday, said Shirlene Krewson, publicity chairman for the event. A barbecue cooking class will also be offered at 6 p.m. Friday.

Other events to be held include games and contests. Music will be provided on Friday. Beef and pork samples will also be available.

People can also register this week for a grill giveaway sponsored by the chamber. Registration forms are available at area grocery stores.

Anyone interested in competing should contact the chamber office at 335-3312 for more information and registration forms. Deadline for entry is Saturday.