Barbecue Cook-off Planned for Fayetteville

The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a barbecue cook-off July 10 and 11 as a prelude to Hot Time in the Ozarks, a summer festival that will begin in July 1999.

The cook-off, which is being held in conjunction with the Kansas City Barbecue Society, will take place in the parking lot of the Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street, says Kim Phillips of Taylor Mack Advertising, which is handling public relations for the event.

The cook-off will be held in subsequent years as part of Hot Time in the Ozarks and will serve as the state championship barbecue cook-off, says Ron Autry, who is helping organize the event. Autrey says Tyson Foods Inc. has donated “generously” to the event.

As of May 27, the cook-off had attracted professional participants from eight states. The cook-off will consist of two segments — amateur and professional — and four divisions: brisket, poultry, pork and beef.

Cash prizes will be given away to finalists in the amateur division in addition to an “acrylic chicken trophy” to be displayed in the office of the grand prize corporate winner, says Phillips. Cash prizes totaling $9,000 will be awarded in the professional segment. The corporate and amateur entry fee is $50.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 521-1710.