Hot Pickin’, Finger Lickin’ BBQ Cook-Off Scheduled for May 2

Friday, April 10, 2026 — Sallisaw Main Street is firing up excitement for this year’s “Hot Pickin’, Finger Lickin’ BBQ Cook-Off.” The cookoff will be held on the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Lawn, where contestants will be lined up cooking their favorite recipes.

This year’s cook-off will continue to focus on authenticity, with a strict rule that all barbecue must be cooked on-site, with no exceptions. Competing teams will pick up their pork shoulder at J & D's Cowtown on Friday, May 1, by 5 p.m., before preparing their entries for judging.

In addition to the main barbecue competition, teams are encouraged to serve a variety of meats and vegetables as part of tasting kits for the public. Judging for the People’s Choice awards will be done by community members who purchase tasting kits for $10, giving attendees a chance to sample entries and vote for their favorites. Taster Kits will go on sale Saturday, May 2, at 11 a.m.

All BBQ teams are responsible for bringing tents, tables, and serving supplies. Organizers also remind participants to clean up their cooking areas following the event, with all leftover grease required to be disposed of in sealed containers rather than foil pans.

Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded, with first place earning $500, followed by $400 for second, $300 for third, and $200 for fourth place. Winners will also receive a year’s worth of bragging rights. Awards are expected to be announced at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday at the Pocket Park stage.

In addition, an appetizer contest will also be held for participating teams. Competitors may prepare any original appetizer of their choice, which must be cooked on the grill by the chief cook or a team member. Store-bought items are not allowed. Teams must submit five portions in a provided container, with judging based on taste and originality.

Appetizers will be collected at noon, with the winner receiving $150 and a trophy, and the runner-up earning $100. Winners will be announced alongside the barbecue competition results.

Entry forms for the event are available at the Sallisaw Chamber of Commerce. The entry fee is $50 per team. The deadline to register a team is April 20.

Organizers encourage teams and community members alike to participate in this year's event, which promises a full day of food, friendly competition, and local pride.

Lindsie Dyer, Staff Writer

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