CUMMING -- Locals will have a chance to pick their favorite barbecue this weekend.

Friday through Sunday, the barbecue completion Que’n in Cumming will once again be held at the Cumming Fairgrounds. The event will have both amateur and professional level competitions.

“The one running Friday-Saturday and Saturday-Sunday are both pro events,” organizer Randall Bowman said. “The backyard one is considered amateur, which is running Friday-Saturday.”

Both parking and admission for the event are free, and the event is open 5-10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-6p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Of course, visitors will have a chance to try the food and vote on their favorite.

“You’ve got a people’s choice, which is consumers’ chance to buy tasting tickets to try samples from participating barbecue teams,” Bowman said. “They can buy five tickets for $5. They also get an additional ticket that is good to vote for their favorite.”

Bowman said Friday night will feature chicken wings from Tyson and Saturday is pork from Smithfield, meaning each team will put their spin on the same product.

As with previous year’s, teams will be coming from across the nation.

“You’ve got teams from all over the country,” Bowman said. “We’ve got them from Nebraska and Pennsylvania and pretty well everywhere.”
Vendors, a kids zone and raffles of barbecue-related items will also be on hand.

Formerly the National BBQ Cup, Bowman said after that competition moved to a new city he wanted to keep something local.

“When the National Barbecue Cup itself moved to Nashville, Tennessee, I wanted to keep something here in Cumming to keep it around the community,” he said. “The goal this year is just to stay focused on the faith, family food scenario.”