Presented by the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, the third annual Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-off returns May 19 bringing with it all of the right ingredients for two days of fun and excitement in downtown Hartselle. While pros and amateurs smoke it out, festival goers are invited to enjoy the friendly competition while shopping in the historic downtown area.

Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the cook-off attracts competitive chefs and backyard teams from across the South competing for over $3,000 in prize money including a $1,500 Grand Champion award. Teams will arrive Friday evening in downtown Hartselle to prepare their unique barbeque, sauce or dessert. Judging will take place Saturday in Earth Park with the day wrapping up around 5 p.m. Entry forms are still being accepted and may be downloaded from hartsellechamber.com.

The People’s Choice Competition is set to return for this year’s event. Taste test armbands will be available for $5. The Taste Test armbands provide pulled pork samples for each of the competing teams and a vote in the People’s Choice Competition. Participants vote by placing money – one dollar is equivalent to one vote – into their selection. The team receiving the most votes will be declared People’s Choice Winner and will win one half of the total amount votes taken in and bragging rights for the year.

In addition to the barbecue festivities, Hartselle’s Spring Fling shopping spree also returns in May for a chance to win some incredible door prizes. Shoppers are invited to make purchases anywhere in the city of Hartselle beginning May 7 until May 19. Receipts must be brought to The Depot on Saturday, May 19 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. where for every $10 spent, shoppers will receive one ticket towards a chance to win prizes. The drawing will be held in the Depot Station at approximately 6:30 p.m. and you must be present to win.

For more information on the Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-off or Spring Fling, contact Susan Hines, president of the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, at 256-773-4370.