Second annual cook-off takes place this weekend

Teams across Georgia will be gathering to compete in the Coweta Up in Smoke Barbecue Cook-off this weekend. The Cook-off will be held at the Coweta Fairgrounds and Conference center.

Teams can compete in a number of categories, including ribs, shoulder and brisket cook-offs, as well as dessert competitions.

Competitions are scored through blind judging, in which judges are given food samples away from the influence of the teams. Entries are judged on different criteria, including appearance, tenderness, flavor and overall impression.

In each category, the first place winner will receive $150, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $75. The Cook-off grand prize winner will receive $500, and the reserve champion will receive $250. If more teams sign up, the prize values will increase.

As of this date, 21 teams from around the state have signed up to compete.

In addition to the cooking competitions, there will be music and live bands, craft and food booths, a car show, a public safety display, a children’s activity zone and a dunking booth with prominent Coweta County citizens.

The Cook-off is brought to you by XYZ Good Pig, Inc. and is sponsored by individuals and businesses that can donate anywhere from $25 to $5,000. Sponsors are provided with advertising space at the Cook-off and on the Cook-off Web site.
The Cook-off opens to the public Friday at 4 p.m., and the opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Judging takes place Saturday, with winners being announced at 3 p.m.

For more information, visit the Cook-off Web site at www.cowetabbq.com or www.cowetabbq.blogspot.com. Individuals or businesses wishing to sponsor the event may contact sponsorship coordinator Tim Higgins at [email protected].