The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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April 9, 2008

Annual barbecue competition, music acts begin Friday

By Robert Barron Staff Writer

Cooks from Kansas to Texas will come to Enid Friday for the Roberts Ranch Smokin’ Red Dirt BBQ contest.

The third annual contest continues through Saturday at Mark Price Arena.

Lynne Benkendorf, of Eagle Mar-keting, a sponsor of the event, said there are 35 entries this year, up from 28 a year ago. Entrants will come from as far away as Topeka, Kan., and Carrollton, Texas. Cooks include Carl Brewer, mayor of Wichita, Kan. The contest is sanctioned by Kansas City Barbecue Society.

Cooks will begin competing Saturday morning and will barbecue chicken, pork, ribs, brisket and an “anything goes” dessert.

Events begin Friday when the cooks arrive at 8 a.m. The public is invited to walk through during the day and talk to the cooks.

“They always have time to stop and talk about cooking and maybe give you a few tips,” Benkendorf said. “If you catch them at the right time you may even get a sample.”

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Roberts Ranch, the event’s title sponsor, will cook a hog and distribute samples while they last. Booth vendors will be placed inside and outside of Mark Price Arena. Cherokee and Oklahoma will be blocked off so people can park and walk across the street to the arena.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, Rib Crib will sponsor a rib-eating contest. The contest includes two heats of 10 entrants and a final to determine the winner. Rib Crib gift cards are awarded for first, second and third places.

Futon Soup, a Wichita band, will perform during a free concert 8-11 p.m. Friday. The Rocket 104.7 FM will sponsor the concert.

Also Friday, Main Street Enid’s Jazz Stroll will be 8-11 p.m. downtown. It is free.

Weather permitting, a fireworks display by Western Enterprises will begin at 9 p.m. in the Security National Bank parking lot. Streets around the area will be closed during the display.

Vendors will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, and lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Tickets for the lunch are $7 for adults and $3 for children 17 and younger. Each ticket will qualify the purchaser for a drawing to win one of three cash prizes: $500 first prize and two $250 prizes.

During Saturday’s lunch, magician Chris Capstone will perform, and Groovin’ G’s will perform in a free concert from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Awards will be announced 3-3:30 p.m., and $9,000 in cash will be given to the winners.

Eagle Marketing and Habitat for Humanity team up to sponsor the barbecue cookoff each year.

Part of proceeds goes to Habitat and Enid AMBUCS clubs to purchase Amtrykes.

“We’re fortunate to have a great facility in downtown Enid. We have gained a reputation as a warm and caring community,” Benkendorf said.

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