Picayune Main Street is preparing for its 4th annual Rockin & Grillin barbecue competition on March 18.
The annual competition attracts competitors, with varying degrees of expertise, from all over the Gulf Coast, Picayune Main Street Board member Chad Dorn, and the event’s organizer, said.
The event will take place on March 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on West Canal Street in downtown Picayune.
“Everybody is welcome to come cook,” Dorn said.
The competition will consist of three categories: chicken, ribs and brisket, he said.
If 25 or more competitors enter, the event will be approved by the Barbecue Competitors Alliance, allowing the first place winner a chance to compete in the Jack Daniels Invitational, Dorn said.
The more BCA sanctioned events someone wins, the greater the chance they have to be invited to the world-renowned competition, he said.
The BCA rules make it easy for backyard chefs to enter the competition, even if they are a one-man team, Dorn said.
The entry fee for each team is $150. The funds will help Picayune Main Street continue to hold events and conduct beautification projects in downtown Picayune, he said.
Now in its fourth year, Dorn said he hopes the event will continue to grow and beat last year’s record of 25 competitors.
Spectators are welcome and will have an opportunity to taste their choice of chicken, ribs or brisket barbecue for $10 a plate, he said.
Contestants will have an opportunity to take home their share of up to $5,000 in cash and prizes, Dorn said.
The top ten will also be given a trophy or certificate for their accomplishment, he said.
The event will feature Southern Sounds, who will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will also be a car show presented by the Boulevard Cruisers, Dorn said.
Other sponsors of the event include Moore Chiropractic Clinic, Mississippi Power, Diva Dayzle and the Pearl River County SPCA.
Registration will be open until the day of the event at the Picayune Main Street office by calling 601-799-3070 or by calling Dorn at 601-337-4182.