Kennesaw launches barbecue competition for kids

An adult male watching a child cook a piece of meat on a small grillPhoto courtesy of the City of Kennesaw

The City of Kennesaw is launching a barbecue competition and class for kids, with a class for ages seven to 15 on Saturday August 7, 3-6 p.m. Completion of the class is a requirement to take part in the competition, which will be held August 20.

For more details and links to registration see the city’s press release we’ve reprinted below:

Kennesaw, GA (July 16, 2021) — Join the City of Kennesaw Department of Parks & Recreation for their inaugural Kid’s ‘Que class and competition! Kid’s ‘Que is the kid-friendly version of the barbecue competitions that are hosted at the annual Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival.

On Saturday, August 7, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Parks & Rec will host a barbecue class for kids (ages seven to 15) to learn all about the barbecue process. Attendees will learn about making marinades, marinating different meats, lighting the grill, seasoning and cooking chicken, ribs, etc., as well as nutrition and healthy cooking techniques. The Southern Thunder BBQ Cooking School will be leading the class. Those enrolled in the class are able to enter in the competition that will take place Friday, August 20, at Pigs & Peaches. The class is a prerequisite to signing up for the competition. A parent must accompany the child at all times during class and competition (child/parent team).

For the competition, the contestants will be provided with a tabletop grill, charcoal, lighter fuel, one pound of ground pork or beef, presentation tray to be used for turn-in, table, meat thermometer, disposable gloves and paper towels. All other supplies/ingredients are the contestant’s responsibility. Each contestant will receive one free festival t-shirt.

The competition will host two age divisions (7-10 and 11-15), with both a winner and a runner-up in each division. Winners will be presented a $50 prize and a portable grill, and runner-ups will be presented with a $25 prize and a trophy.

Registration is available online.

For more information, visit kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation or call Kennesaw Parks & Recreation at 770-422-9714.