BBQ Fest kicks off tonight

Southeast Missourian

The 15th annual BBQ Fest kicks off tonight with the showmanship contest at 7:30 p.m. at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Mac's Smokehouse will have concessions open to 9 p.m., and Port Cape Girardeau will have full bar available. The park closes at 11 p.m.

This year's BBQ Fest is the biggest in the event's history. Fifty-two teams from eight states have signed up, 10 more than last year. The event is being sponsored for the first time by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees. It is an event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

The contestants will begin to cook their contest meat from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.