Rison Barbeque Cookoff Saturday

RISON - Rison Shine Community Development will kick off the fall season and fair month with the Rison BBQ Cook-Off this 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.The general public is invited to attend beginning at 3 p.m. to participate in People’s Choice voting, which runs through 6 p.m.Midnight South will perform at 5:30 p.m.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.Those judging the People’s Choice contest will pay a $10 fee to participate. Half the money collected from the  fees will go to the single cooker who receives the most votes from the participating members of the public.Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Midnight South concert.For those still interested in entering the competition, the deadline has been extended through 12 noon Friday, Sept. 5.In addition to the grand prize, additional prizes per category (ribs, chicken or cooker’s choice) will be awarded based on participation. Entry forms are now available at clevelandcountyarkansas.comContestants can enter in one or more categories. The entry fee is $50 per entry per category: (1) Chicken Halves, (2) Pork Ribs, (3) Cooker’s Choice (any type of meat other than ribs or chicken). 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.For more information ...