On Sunday, July 28 competitors of the first annual BBQ Cook-off Competition will be at it in their full glory, with meat sizzling, spatulas in the ready, and judges taking samples. Bozeman BBQ, a local group focusing on barbecue, is responsible for bringing this competitive event to Bozeman and asks community members to sign up as competitors, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. The event will take place on Grand Avenue, next to the Cornerstone Grill and will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Competitors must pre-register and will have the option of entering into one of ten separate categories while competing in what Bozeman BBQ hopes to resemble food shows such as ‘Pit Masters’ on FOOD network. And while the traditional categories consistent with this type of event — such as chicken, pork, pork ribs, beef brisket and beef ribs — will be included, several regional categories are also available. These include beef tri-tip, elk and venison. Additionally, there will be two open categories for pie and chili. $3,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.

The community is welcome to come and enjoy the festivities, as there will be many activities to enjoy, such as live music and a beer garden. Available for children will be face painting and bounce houses. A special farmers’ market will start the cook-off event at 10:30 and a silent auction will begin at 11:00. Shortly after, the barbecue contest will get underway. In the afternoon the public will be able to participate in the competition by voting on the People’s Choice award and there will be vendor exhibits open throughout the day.

Inspiration to host such an event came to Bozeman BBQ out of a desire to “raise awareness about our group,” said event director Keith Robins. Many cook-off type shows are in the “hype,” he added, and there is even an annual Montana BBQ Cook-off held in Absarokee, Mont. The group wanted to bring something like this local, he said.

All activities hosted by Bozeman BBQ are designed to raise funds to benefit local charities, and while it has not been decided as of the date of publication which charity the cook-off will support, several are under consideration. Robins hopes to donate funds raised by the cook-off to a local firefighter relief fund or perhaps the food bank, with the goal of keeping the funds within the community.

Bozeman BBQ, which began last winter and is sponsored by the Cornerstone Grill, is proud to bring this event to Bozeman, and encourages the community to “be a backyard hero” through barbecue. It is the goal of this community based group to educate the public on various benefits and aspects of barbecue, acting as a forum in order to spread knowledge.

For sponsor and Vendor information for the 2013 Bozeman BBQ cook-off email info@bozemanbbq.com.

For more information about Bozeman BBQ or the cook-off, go to bozemanbbq.com

Jessianne Wright is an honors student at MSU and plans to study abroad in Spain this fall.