SMOKIN' IT UP IN DOWNTOWN HARTSELLE

The third weekend in May, downtown Hartselle will be filled with the aroma of slow-cooked barbeque when the annual Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off comes to town. Professional and amateur grill masters are invited to show off their barbeque expertise as festival goers experience the excitement of a cook-off and enjoy shopping in the historic downtown area.

Presented by the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, the fourth annual Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off is set for May 17-18, 2013. Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the cook-off attracts competitive chefs and backyard teams from across the South competing for over $4000 in prize money including a $1,500 Grand Champion award. Entry forms are still being accepted and may be downloaded from the Cotton Pickin's BBQ Facebook page or by calling 256.773.4370.  

The People's Choice BBQ Tasting is set for Friday, May 17 beginning at 6 p.m. Taste test wristbands will be available for purchase. The Taste Test wristbands provide barbeque samples for each of the competing teams and a vote in the People's Choice BBQ Tasting. Participants vote by placing money - one dollar is equivalent to one vote - into their selection. The team receiving the most votes will be declared People's Choice Winner and will win one half of the total amount votes taken in and bragging rights for the year.

Along with the Cook-off on Saturday, May 18, a variety of vendors will be set up in the downtown area. As barbeque chefs smoke it out, festival goers can shop in the many specialty and antique shops located in the historic buildings downtown. Several of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is free.

The Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off is held in conjunction with Hartselle's Spring Fling shopping spree. Shoppers are invited to make purchases anywhere in the city of Hartselle beginning May 4 until 3 p.m. on May 18. Receipts must be brought to The Depot on Saturday, May 18 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and for every $10 spent, shoppers will receive one ticket towards a chance to win prizes. The drawing will be held in the Depot Station at approximately 6:30 p.m. and you must be present to win. Prizes range from a cruise for two, flat screen TV, free gas, dinners for two at local restaurants, plus more.

For more information on the Cotton Pickin' BBQ Cook-off or Spring Fling, contact Susan Hines, President of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, at 256.773.4370