Entries Now Accepted for Sept. 6 BBQ Cook Off

RISON - Rison Shine Community Development will kick off the fall season and fair month with the Rison BBQ Cook-Off Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.This year’s cook-off will feature a grand prize of $1,000 sponsored by Chris Reed Logging, plus a free concert from one of the Rison in the Fall Festival’s past acts, Midnight South.Additional prizes per category (ribs, chicken or cooker’s choice) will be awarded based on participation.Entry forms are now available at clevelandcountyarkansas.com, or by clicking here.A people’s choice contest will also take place. A portion of the entry fees and people’s choice ticket sales will kickstart funding for the 2026 Rison in the Fall Festival.In addition to Chris Reed Logging, the 2025 Rison BBQ Cook-Off and Concert is sponsored by Premiere Poultry, Scharf Heat & Air, Rison Grind Gym & Fitness, Roy Phillips and Keden Shrum.Contestants can enter in one or more categories. Multiple entries are allowed in each category but only one entry in each category will be calculated in the points system.The entry fee is $50 per entry per category: (1) Chicken Halves, (2) Pork Ribs (3-1/2 and down), (3) Cooker’s Choice (any type of meat other than ribs or chicken).Set up will be allowed on Friday evening, Sept. 5, at the Fairgrounds. Campsites are available for an additional charge by contacting Fair Manager Roy Phillips.Contestants can not begin cooking until after the pre-contest meat inspection is conducted between 8 and 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6.Entries will be judged on aroma, appearance, texture and taste. Chicken will be due at 3 p.m., Ribs at 4 p.m., and Cooker’s Choice at 5 p.m.BBQ People’s Choice voting will run simultaneously with votes due by 6 p.m.Those judging the contest will be paying a $10 fee to participate and half the money coll...