Smoke in the Spring cookoff Friday, Saturday

OSAGE CITY—The Sixth Annual Smoke in the Spring barbecue contest returns Friday and Saturday to Jones Park in Osage City.

This year’s contest will feature more than 65 teams, with last-minute contestants still entering.

For the general public, the event begins at 6 p.m. Friday evening with the “Taste of Osage City,” a chance to sample the stock of more than a dozen contest participants.

Teams will only accept BBQ Bucks as payment during the two-hour dinner, which can be purchased at Osage City Hall or Edward Jones. Bucks will also be available at the event from 4 to 7 p.m.

At 8 p.m., the Kids-Q competition begins. Registration is $10 per cook and sign-up deadline is 5 p.m. Friday.

During Friday’s activities, live music will be presented 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. by The Groove and from 8 to 11 p.m. by Big Woody

The Osage City Band Booster Club will serve pulled pork, sides and drinks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the community building.

Contest winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon.