By KEVIN M. GUSTIN / Community Columnist

We are looking for a few good teams! Are you ready to bring your BBQ skills forward and be crowned Shelby County’s Best BBQ?

The third annual Shelby County’s Best BBQ Cook-Off benefits the Shelby County Arts Council and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce and it is just around the corner. This year’s fundraising event is sponsored by Deloach, Barber & Caspers P.C. and the Shelby County Reporter.

The more teams we are able to line up, the better the competition will be and the better the tasting for the rest of us! There will be trophies awarded for Best Overall Ribs and Sauce; Best Ribs (first, second and third place); Best Sauce (first, second and third place); Chef’s Specialty (your favorite creation on the grill-up to three entries per team); and People’s Choice Award that will be presented at 6:30 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to support two important community organizations and enjoy a fun downtown Columbiana event. Throw your hat in the ring and see if your food can be named Shelby County’s Best BBQ!

This year’s event is April 5 with judging set for 3:30 p.m. and a tasting for the public from 4-7 p.m.

Tasting tickets are $10 with kids 10 and under free with a paid adult.

Tickets can be purchased now at the events page of the Shelby County Arts Council web site.  The event will also include music, an artist market and classic car exhibit. Contact either the Shelby County Arts Council at 669-0044 or the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce at 669-9075 to register your team today!

Kevin M. Gustin is president of the Shelby County Arts Council board of directors.