Big Barbecue Bash has a fall debut

Fall just feels right for barbecue, doesn’t it?

Organizers of the popular Big BBQ Bash have decided to give the fall a little spice by moving the popular event from May to October for the Fourth Big BBQ Bash. The event will be Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-16. The venue is changing, too, with the cook-off and community party moving from Springbrook to Maple Lane Farms in Greenback.

The barbecue competition is not a part of the Maple Lane Corn Maze, so admission to the event is still free on Saturday. Teams will compete in chicken, pulled pork, ribs and Anything But. Cash prizes will be awarded and all proceeds from the event will benefit Helen Ross McNabb Center.

Teams are still needed to compete, as are corporate sponsors. Most sponsorships include one or more teams to compete. Teams may sell their barbecue or other items for their own charities or to help recoup the cost of the competition. To sign up, go to www.blountbbqbash.com or call Nicole at 865-329-9030.

The Big BBQ Bash opens to the public on Saturday. The event schedule is:

Registration Deadline -- Oct. 11

Judges Schedule

This year, the Judges Training will take place on the day of the event, Oct. 16

9:30 a.m. - Judges Check-in

9:45 a.m. - Meeting with Head Judge (TBD)

10:30 a.m. - Judging Begins

Friday, October 15

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Check-in for Cooks, Corporate Sponsored Cooks, and Vendors

Booth/tent set-up

Supervised cooking may begin around 7 p.m.

Live Performance by The Dreamcatcher Band

Saturday, October 16

Open to the Public

Admission is Free

Featuring live music, good times and great barbecue

Noon: Live Performance by The Dixie Highway Band

Competitors and vendors will be selling their masterpieces to the masses, so come hungry!

Judging Schedule

10:30 a.m. - Chicken Judging

11 a.m. - Ribs Judging

11:30 a.m. - Pulled Pork Judging

12 noon - Anything But... Judging

5 p.m. - Winners announced