This 48-team event is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society — the world’s largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts. The focus for the competition will be cooking abilities for chicken, pork, pork ribs, and beef brisket. Attendance for 2015 is expected to exceed 10,000.

In addition, there is a “Tastin’ Tent” where the public can purchase $10 tickets to taste barbecue samples from the competing teams and vote for their favorite flavor. The winning team will be given a “Maggie’s Best” trophy and prize money. The festival will also include live bluegrass and clogging; arts and crafts vendors, chainsaw art demonstrations, and a free Kid’s Zone. 

Beer, Wine and Swine, a local restaurant competition, will be held Friday with WNC restaurants preparing chopped pork paired with wine and micro brewed beer samples. There is a $10 admission and participants get to sample barbecue with five sauces. Awards ceremony will be held Saturday afternoon featuring the winners from the four competition categories and the N.C. Governor’s Trophy, Maggie’s Best People’s Choice Award, and Anything Dessert and Anything Meat awards.

Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce. 

Admission is $6 for adults, $3 children ages 6-12. Admission is free for children under age 5. 

828.926.1686 or www.wncbbqfestival.com.