Barbecue masters want you to try a taste
During Masters week, Aiken will be home to a different kind of masters' competition.
The Masters of BBQ Cook-Off and Spring Carnival which will be held at the Aiken Fairgrounds, will open its gates for family entertainment from April 8 through 11.
New additions to the third annual festival include the Memphis Barbecue Network and two new carnival rides. The barbecue cook-off still includes the backyard barbecue challenge along with a newly added Memphis competition where barbecue professionals from around the country will compete, and attendees get to sample the treats.
The four-day festival is packed with activities for all ages. The carnival rides open to the public on April 8 and 9 at 5 p.m. The first two days feature rides, carnival-style vendors and carnival foods such as sausages and funnel cakes, along with a special Memphis Barbecue circuit vendor.
On Friday evening, gates open at 5 p.m. with a Brew and Stew beginning at 7 p.m. During the Brew and Stew, competitors will show off their skills with stews, chili, jambalaya, cajun cuisine and more. Five dollars allows you to sample all the varieties as many times as you like. Attendees will vote for their favorite, and at the end of the evening, a People's Choice award will be presented. The live music of LoCo will entertain adults in the beer garden while children ride the carnival rides.
On Friday evening, the wood grills will be fired up and the barbecue cook-off will be under way with competitors cooking through the night. Ten Memphis Network competitors and 10 or more local residents will fight for top prizes and cash awards. More than 75 judges from all over the Southeast will attend in addition to the input of attendees.
"Come watch the guys cooking, sample and vote," said Alan Gregory, fair manager.
Gates open at noon on Saturday with barbecue starting at 1 p.m. Six samples will be $6, and the barbecue will flow until it runs out. Each attendee will vote for their favorite sample for the People's Choice award which pits local competitors against the professionals. Saturday night, local band Justin Tyme will perform in the beer garden.
Throughout the entire four days, exhibitors and vendors will be set up throughout the fairgrounds. In addition, ride passes will be available for $12 for unlimited rides. Admission to the fairgrounds and parking is free, and Gregory invites the entire community to come out and enjoy the festivities.
According to Gregory and Johnny Johnson, facilities manager, they are still accepting competitors in the Backyard BBQ division, and all are welcome to test their skills. The goal is to see the spring festival grow each year. Last year, the carnival rides were a new addition, and this year, the event continues to expand.
For more information, visit www.mastersofbbqcookoff.com or www.westerncarolinastatefair.com.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
What? Masters of BBQ cook-Off & Spring Carnival
When? April 8-11
Where? Aiken Fairgrounds on Hwy. 1