It's beginning to smell a lot like a BBQ Challenge

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As Oktoberfest continues on in full swing in our quaint German town the rest of the week of festivities a brand new function will be hosted at the Cullman County Fairgrounds, which is sure to have residents lining up for a taste.

Steve Cooke, event organizer or better known as Boss Hawg, along with the Cullman County Bama Chapter are hosting the first ever Kanas City Barbeque Society cook off. The event, which has already registered 55 teams from across the United States, is expected to be well attended one.

"The Kansas City Barbeque Society is the largest sanctioning body when it comes to BBQ. Teams compete all across the U.S. in KCBS events to earn points toward the overall KCBS standings and to win cash prizes at the events they compete in. They can also earn a trip to the 'Super Bowl' of BBQ, The Jacks, in Lynchburg TN. This year that will be on October 22," Cooke said. "This is a World Invitational event had 36 international teams competing." I have also obtained the governor's signature to make this a State Championship as a 1st time event. Teams compete within the state for points in order to win the Governor's Cup Award."

As the event was being put together, Cooke said he and others expected a large registering of teams but was excited to know 55 have registered. Pro Teams will be competing in four categories: Beef Brisket, Chicken, Pork Ribs and Pork, while the backyard teams will compete in two categories: Chicken and Pork Ribs.

Teams will be arriving several days ahead of the event to prepare their stations and themselves for the upcoming challenge. Cooke said the public should have a good time between the barbeque, cooking demonstrations and games. The doors will open to the public at 8 am on Saturday, October 8.

"We will have Char-Broil Grills coming with a 60' x 30' exhibition set up, which will have the latest infra-red grills, be doing cooking demos, food sampling and have games and prizes for people," Cooke said. "World Champion Pro cook coming, Ken Hess, to do a cooking demonstration and explain to the public what it takes to put together a Pro team. He will also be giving out cooking tips, explain more about the KCBS, how it works, as well as how teams earn points toward the Governor's Cup Award."

Those in attendance are encouraged to take part in choosing the People's Choice award winner, which is done by making a nominal donation then sampling the barbeque.

"For a $10 dollar donation we will have a competition set up for the public to sample BBQ and vote on each entry as they try it and the team with the highest score will win," he said. "Cheerleaders from Extreme Cheer, Extreme Gymnastics and majorettes from Southern Startlets (still confirming this event) will be doing demonstrations for family and friends. There will also be a Kid Zone for youngsters to play games, face painting, etc."

Music will be begin at 10 am and end at 2 pm, with the awards ceremony beginning at 4 pm.

With just a few days remaining before the gates swing open wide Cooke said he is proud of those who've worked on preparing this event. He said though the initial work is done to get the KCBS here, a lot more work must be done to keep it thriving for years to come.

"We hope that by starting this event it becomes a tradition here in Cullman. Our event will grow and change in the next few years, I am sure, but we want to offer something for everyone," he said. "The Oktoberfest BBQ Challenge staff Gary Wiggins, Josh Wiggins, Mike Kritner, Susan Hood and Chess Harris have all worked extremely hard to organize this event for Cullman. We would just like to invite everyone to come out and learn a little about BBQ and if you don't get a team in this year then maybe you will by next year."