It’s not too late to register to participate in the sixth annual State Championship Smoke in the Pines Barbecue Cookoff hosted by the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce June 27-28 at Pedigo Park in Livingston.
The International Barbecue Cookers Association (IBCA) judging rules will apply. The purpose of the IBCA is to promulgate fair and equitable competitive barbecue cooking through the development of standard rules and unbiased judging methodologies that can be applied internationally and to provide a sanctioning authority which will guarantee fair competition.
A $6,000 payout is guaranteed, although the payout will increase to $7,500 if more than 75 teams participate. The entry fee is $200.
Items to be judged include one fully jointed chicken half complete with wing, breast, thigh and leg, eight individual pork spare ribs, eight slices of brisket, cook’s choice and beans. There will be payout for first through eighth place IBCA meats, first through third place cook’s choice and first place beans. Grand champion will receive $350 and reserve grand champion will receive $175. The entry fee for cook’s choice, beans and kids barbecue is $25 apiece.
The event also includes an auto and bike show, a kids’ barbecue cookoff, a cornhole tournament and vendor booths.
To enter, go to smokeinthepines@yahoo.com or specialevents@polkchamber.com. For additional information, contact the chamber office at 936-327-4929 or John Clifton at 936-328-9864.
Lunch & Learn
In other upcoming activities, the chamber will host its monthly Lunch & Learn at 11:30 a.m. June 24 at the chamber office located at 1001 US Hwy. 59 Loop in Livingston. Crystal Williams, a marketing strategist with Lemon Seed Marketing will present a program called “AI and Automation – How to Leverage Technology in Your Business.”
Though the event is free, registration is required in order to get an accurate headcount for lunch. To register, call the chamber office at 936-327-4929 or go to the chamber website at polkchamber.com.
Back to school
It’s that time of year again. Each year the chamber compiles new teacher bags to disseminate to schools throughout the county at the beginning of the new school year. Any chamber member may provide promotional items to be placed in the new teacher bags. Two hundred of each item is required and July 17 is the deadline to deliver your items to the chamber office. For questions or additional information, contact the chamber office at 936-327-4929 or email brenda@polkchamber.com.
