From Staff Reports

MAULDIN, S.C. — Mauldin’s 14th Annual Sooie BBQ Cook-Off will be held 6-9 p.m. Sept. 13 and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 14 in the amphitheater, behind Mauldin Cultural Center, 101 East Butler Road, here.

The event will provide “a weekend of delicious food, live music and family fun,” an event promotion stated. 

“Featuring 25-plus cookers from all over the Southeast competing to bring the best BBQ to the Upstate, this festival is the perfect pig-out.” 

More precisely, “the festival opens Friday night (Sept. 13) with our Anything Butt competition, where participating cookers serve anything BUTT their BBQ to pique your tastebuds. Sliders, grilled chicken, smoked cobbler — the only way to know what’s cooking is to come try it for yourself. 

“Saturday (Sept. 14) features the main event, a BBQ Cook-off competition with a panel of certified BBQ Tasters from the South Carolina Barbeque Association. 

“The public will also have a chance to cast their vote for the best BBQ and the winner of the People’s Choice Award.” 

What’s more, at 6 p.m. Sept. 13, the Away Team party band will perform as part of the barbecue festival, followed by a fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. 

In addition, at 11 a.m. Sept. 14, a band “to be announced” will perform for festival-goers. 

Admission to the barbecue festival is free.