Barbecue and bluegrass

So you think you can cook some mean barbecue?

Well, here's your opportunity to show your stuff!

The Hillsboro Uptown Business Association (HUBA) will host its second annual barbecue contest Saturday, July 6 in conjunction with the 2013 Festival of the Bells.

The contest will take place at Holtfield Station's parking lot on South High Street, where participants will set up their grills and accessories to compete for the title of "Top Butt Cooker."

It all begins the morning of Saturday, July 6, when participants will receive their pork butt to barbecue on premise. At 6 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to sample each of the contestants barbecue for a donations and while supplies last. The public also may vote on their favorite entries for the People's Choice Award.

Larry Chapman returns to lead the judging committee.

Last year's contest had 16 entrants. John Hern, chairman of the event, stated that they already have 12 confirmed entries for this year.

Most of the entrants are local businesses that are sponsoring a cooking team for a fee of $50, which includes the pork butt from Community Market.

Teams will be able to display signs promoting their sponsor and are encouraged to do a theme or wear T-shirts with the name of their cooking team on it.

"In fact, one of the awards will be for showmanship," Hern said.

In addition, Highland County Line, a local bluegrass band, will be performing at 6 p.m. July 6.

"These guys have been playing together for years and they're very good," Hern said.

If you are interested in entering a team, please contact John Hern at (937) 393-7055 or pick up an entry form at Cellular Solutions at 132 South High St. in uptown Hillsboro.

The 2013 Festival of the Bells will be July 4-6 in uptown Hillsboro. Featured entertainment includes The Farm on Friday night and Dustin Lynch on Saturday night. For more information, go to www.festivalofthebells.com.