Hartselle’s sixth annual Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-off will be Fri., May 15 and Sat., May 16 in Downtown Hartselle across from E.A.R.T.H. Park.

According to Hartselle Chamber of Commerce President Susan Hines, based on past years, they expect approximately 25 professional and at least 30 amateur teams. Sauce and dessert competitions will be held on Friday, and the cook-off will be held on Saturday.

The event will also feature activities for the public. Food samples and the People’s Choice event will not be available this year; however, food and craft vendors will be located on Railroad Street. According to Daniel Copeland, who serves on the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Shady Creek Bluegrass Band will perform on Saturday from 2-4 p.m., and there will be entertainment on Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the group to be confirmed.

The cook-off has proven to be popular with the public. The Southeastern Tourism Society named the barbeque cook-off as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast for May 2015.

“We have a lot of folks who come back every year because it’s just a great event,” Hines said.

BBQ sponsors will include Pepsi Cola Bottling of Decatur, Corum’s Building & Supply, Roto Rooter, The Pig Stand, C & L Tax Service LLC, Copeland Classic Cleaners, Decatur-Morgan Hospital, Gilchrist Pharmacy, Hartselle Enquirer, Hibu, It’s Your Day, Jenny’s Boarding Kennel & Doggie Daycare, Mack’s Paint & Body Shop Inc., NBC Discount Furniture, Furniture, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Payroll Services LLC, William H Puckett CPA PC, State Farm Chad Hughey, That Vape Shop, Thompson Homes and others.

The Cotton Pickin’ BBQ Cook-Off also marks the end of the shop Hartselle Spring Fling. Every $10 spent for products or services May 1-16 inside Hartselle City limits may be redeemed for a ticket, for a maximum of 200 tickets. Receipts must be redeemed Sat., May 16, and door prizes will be given during the event. Participants must be present to win.