'Smoke in the Valley' BBQ competition set in Bledsoe County this weekend

Smoke grilled pork ribs BBQ / Getty Images
Smoke grilled pork ribs BBQ / Getty Images

For most folks who live in the area, their noses will find the way, but everyone else should know that the Bledsoe County Rescue Squad's sixth annual Smoke in the Valley BBQ Competition & Festival will be happening all day Sept. 21 and 22 in Pikeville, Tennessee.

The barbecue competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, according to organizers, and it will be held both days at the Bledsoe County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.

Admission is free and there will be music, food, of course, and vendors, along with free games for the kids and some family competitions. The event benefits the rescue squad.

Smoked Boston butts will be available for $35, and they can be picked up Friday from 5-8 p.m. or Saturday during event hours.

Family competitions, for those 13 and older, include a sack race, water balloon toss, egg toss, three-legged race, "thigh-high" balloon race, tug of war and a hula hoop link race that all start at 2 p.m., organizers said. The same events for those under 13 will be held at 3 p.m., and adults can participate in those, too.

A community bake off also will be part of events. The entry fee is $10 and applications are available at the rescue squad website, Bledsoecountyrescue.com, organizers said.

A special note is included in event information: "If there is rain, we will have mud fights in the arena!"

Attendees might want to dress accordingly.

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