FRISCO, Colorado — At the 15th annual Frisco, Colorado Barbecue Challenge, Friday and Saturday on Frisco’s Main Street, more than 60 cooking teams will set up their tents and grills from Madison to 5th Avenue. This event is sanctioned for the 13th year by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Live entertainment will accompany the food vendors.

Backyard grills, barrels and portable smokers line Main Street during the two-day event as the cookers prepare their secret barbecue recipes for judging and connoisseur tasting.

The barbecue kicks off Friday at noon and continues that day until 9 p.m. It picks back up on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a no-cash event — everything can be purchased with “Buck-A-Bone” tickets including beef brisket, ribs, chicken, things wrapped in bacon, desserts, side dishes, along with mechanical bull rides and beer.

Folks can cheer on their favorite pigs as NRC Broadcasting’s Pig Races on Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Then listen to live music all day in the Historic Park Gazebo featuring the Kelly J Band and the Delta Sonics.

New this year is the RSN People’s Choice Award. With every 10 Buck-A-Bone tickets purchased, you will receive one vote for your favorite barbecuer. Once you’ve made your decision, throw the token in the pot, ring the bell, and give that griller a high-five. Winners of the RSN People’s Choice Award will be announced Saturday at 3 p.m. along with the general award ceremony.

On Saturday, more than 70 judges taste the barbecue samples and award $15,000 in prizes to barbecue teams from all over the country.

The barbecue after party in the bars and restaurants in Frisco will accept Buck–A-Bone tickets all weekend long. Participating establishments include: Boatyard Pizzeria and Grill, Carlos Miguel’s, Farley’s Chophouse, Food Hedz, Hacienda Real, The Island Grill, Moose Jaw, Po’ Boys, Samplings, Silverheels at the Ore House, Tuscato’s and Upstairs at Jonny G’s.

Proceeds from the Colorado Barbecue Challenge benefit the Frisco Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Restaurant Association Education Fund (CRAEF).

CRAEF primarily funds the ProStart programs statewide for High School Culinary education and provides scholarships for continuing culinary education. Summit High School ProStart students will be volunteering at the event and selling Coca Cola products.

2008 Colorado Barbecue Challenge Schedule of Events

Friday

• Noon to 9 p.m. — Selling of Buck-A-Bone tickets

• Noon to 8 p.m. — Pig Races begin at Noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• 3:30-5:30 p.m. — Live entertainment with the Hillbilly Rockers

• 4 p.m. — Kids Kook–Off Begins

• 5 p.m. — Showmanship Judging, Mayor’s Award

• 6-8:30 p.m. — Live entertainment with Kelly J. Band

• 6 p.m. — Judging of Kids Kook-Off

• 6:30 p.m. — Judging of Salsa

• 7 p.m. — Judging of Sauce

Saturday

• 6-9 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast in Frisco Recreation Building

• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Selling of Buck-A-Bone tickets

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Pig Races begin at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

• 10-11a.m. — Live entertainment with Rudy Grant

• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Live entertainment with Delta Sonics

• 11:30 a.m. — Judging for Side Dishes

• Noon — Judging for Chicken

• 12:30 p.m. — Judging for Ribs

• 1 p.m. — Judging for Pork

• 1-3 p.m. — Live entertainment with the Kelly J Band

• 1:30 p.m. — Judging for Brisket

• 2 p.m. — Judging for Miscellaneous

• 2:30 p.m. — Judging for Dessert

• 3:30 p.m. — Awards Ceremony for BBQ

• 4 p.m. — Christy Sports Backyard Giveaway Announced

• 4 p.m. — Liquor sales end on street

• 5 p.m. — Food sales end on street