After a disappointing turnout last year, organizers of the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair's Back Yard Chef Barbecue Contest are hoping for more participation on Aug. 4.
"You get to meet a lot of great people, and it's definitely a fun time," contest organizer Randy Bowser said when asked what he would say to encourage area grilling enthusiasts to get signed up for the competition.
There is no entry fee for the Back Yard Chef contest, although participants are limited to one entry per category in beef, pork, poultry and other. Hopeful "grill masters" must provide their own equipment and meat.
According to Bowser, the most unusual entry he has ever seen in the other category was a piece of bear meat.
"It must have been pretty good," Bowser said. "I didn't get to try any because it was all gone by the time I got there."
There will be a contestant meeting at 8 a.m. under the pavilion. Judging will start with poultry at 1 p.m., other at 1:30 p.m., pork at 2 p.m. and beef at 2:30 p.m.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three in each category. Entries will be judged for taste, texture and appearance on a scale from 1-9, with the taste score being doubled for a maximum score of 40 points per judge.