BBQ - Cook Team Registration
This isn’t your typical BBQ showdown—it’s a FUNraiser! Our cook-off is all about laid-back vibes, good eats, and great people. While it’s a real competition with bragging rights and prize money on the line, this non-KCBS sanctioned event puts fun first. Blind judging keeps things fair, and the People's Choice adds a community twist.
This isn’t your typical BBQ showdown—it’s a FUNraiser! Our cook-off is all about laid-back vibes, good eats, and great people. While it’s a real competition with bragging rights and prize money on the line, this non-KCBS sanctioned event puts fun first. Blind judging keeps things fair, and the People's Choice adds a community twist.
This isn’t your typical BBQ showdown—it’s a FUNraiser! Our cook-off is all about laid-back vibes, good eats, and great people. While it’s a real competition with bragging rights and prize money on the line, this non-KCBS sanctioned event puts fun first. Blind judging keeps things fair, and the People's Choice adds a community twist.
Each team is expected to serve their BBQ to attendees with a Tasting Ticket (tickets and 2 oz. serving cups, provided by FVDA). Just punch the ticket, serve the sample, and enjoy connecting with the crowd to gain People’s Choice votes as well as help raise funds for a great cause.
Once you register you will receive more detailed information/instructions about the event
BBQ Cook-Off Essentials (Non-KCBS Sanctioned)
Final Registration Deadline: Oct 20, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: Sept 8, 2025
Fees:
20×20 space: $175 | Early Bird Rate $125
20×40 space: $250 | Early Bird Rate $200
First-come, first-served. No refunds.
Cook Site Setup
Arrival & Check-in: Friday, Nov 7 (3–6 PM)
Team Meeting: Friday- attendance required
Cooking Starts: After check-in Friday
No power provided — bring generators
Tent required over serving table
Bring all supplies — meat, water, fire extinguisher, cooking gear, utensils, etc.
Contest Rules
Meat: Teams are to provide their own meat for the contest. 10 – 10lb Boston Butts or 1 – 150lb whole hog
Sauces: Homemade only; not judged
Submission: Clam-shell container provided for judging
Judging starts: Saturday, 12:30 PM
Prize Money:
1st: $1000
2nd: $500
3rd: $300
People’s Choice: $200 in Downtown Dollars
Awards announced at 3:30pm
Health & Safety
Teams must read and abide by all NC health department regulations as set forth in RULES GOVERNING THE FOOD PROTECTION AND SANITATION OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS 15A NCAC 18A .2600 Specifically, Temporary Food Establishment Rules .2665 to .2669. https://ehs.ncpublichealth.com/docs/rules/294306-26-2600.pdf