CANTON, GA - The highly anticipated fourth annual Red, White and Blue BBQ contest, dedicated to supporting veteran suicide awareness and prevention, is thrilled to announce its NEW date of October 12th. We have locked in the competition date for 2 WEEKS earlier than last year!
Hosted by American Legion Post 45 and various veteran groups, the event promises a weekend of flavorful competition and community engagement at the Cherokee County Fairgrounds, 160 McClure St., Canton.
The festivities kick off on the evening of October 11th from 6 to 8 p.m. and continue on October 12th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both days of entry to the fairgrounds are complimentary, offering an affordable and entertaining experience for attendees.
Sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association, the competition will feature top-notch barbecue creations from skilled cookers across the state and region. Proudly sponsored by the 15,000-plus veterans residing in Cherokee County, all donations and proceeds from the event will contribute to mental health programs aimed at raising awareness and preventing veteran suicide within the community.
The professional flight of the competition, scheduled for October 12th, will engage teams in a thrilling showdown of traditional pork barbecue, competing for trophies and a generous $12,000 in prize money. Teams, having participated in statewide contests for months, vie not only for victory but also accumulate points towards earning the coveted title of barbecue team of the year for 2024.
With over 50 teams from four states participating last year, this annual event has become a must-attend on the Georgia Barbecue Association circuit. An esteemed panel of over 30 association-trained judges will meticulously evaluate entries across three categories, crowning the overall winners in each and ultimately declaring the pitmaster "Grand Champion" of the event.
In addition to the professional competition, the organizers are inviting 10 to 15 amateur teams to compete in a separate event, offering a chance for trophies and a spirited showcase of budding talent.
Registration for professional teams is $275 before September 30th, $300 before October 5th, and $350 after October 5th. Amateur entry is $95 before September 30th.
The two-day extravaganza will feature a delectable array of food and drinks, live music, and engaging games. We have also added a kids play station this year with bounce houses, games, and more! For those looking to savor the experience at home, pre-orders for pork butts are available at $35 each. To pre-order, contact Raymond Rollins at 770-841-5833, with pre-cooked weights ranging from 7-8 pounds.
For an added dose of competition, the night of October 11th will host a cornhole tournament, offering a chance to win a share of $500 in total prize money and coveted trophies. Team entry fees for the cornhole competition are set at $30 per team.
Join us for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and community support at the Red, White and Blue BBQ on October 11th and 12th. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of our veterans.
