Jackson's annual barbecue contest begins Friday

The smell of barbecue will fill the air at Jackson City Park this weekend at the eighth annual Jackson Bar-B-Que Cook Off.

Shane West Anderson, director of the city's parks and recreation department, said this event is more of a backyard cookout than some of the more formal, sanctioned barbecue contests in the area.

"Friday night is like the party night. The teams come and start getting ready and just have some fun," Anderson said. He said the weekend typically draws about 20 teams from around the area.

The event started as a fundraiser for the parks department to support park improvement projects. More importantly, Anderson said, the event allows people get out and enjoy being in the park.

"It is almost a cultural event for the area, another interesting event. It is another way for them to enjoy the park," he said.

Due to safety and health regulations, food is not sold at the event, but the public is still invited to stop by and enjoy the atmosphere, including live music Friday night. Anderson said teams are known to invite people to their tents and offer samples.

Judging starts Friday night with the pork steak competition. Saturday morning there is a competition to see who makes the best Bloody Mary, before contestants get down to grilling, smoking and rubbing. Winners will be chosen in four categories -- chicken, ribs, butts and beef brisket -- and there will be an overall grand champion. All winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Jackson Bar-B-Que Cook Off will start at 6 p.m. Friday and continue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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Pertinent Address:

Jackson City Park, Jackson, MO