If you're ready to put your backyard cooking skills to the test, then the annual Labor Day Association BBQ Contest is awaiting your entry.

READ MORE: Five New Grilling Gadgets to Upgrade Your Indiana Cookouts

I absolutely love cooking outside. Low and slow cooking is something I've been doing for the last few years, making everything from brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and whole chicken. I've even begun grinding and casing my own smoked sausage, such as savory beer brats, Polish Kielbasa, and Texas hot links. It's a really fun hobby, and if it's something you enjoy too, you should definitely check out this awesome barbecue contest in Gibson County.

Test Your BBQ Skills in Gibson County During Labor Day Weekend

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the Labor Day Association will host their annual barbecue competition during the 138th Labor Day Celebration at the Gibson County Fairgrounds. The contest will consist of four categories: chicken, ribs, pork, and beef. The event will follow Kentuckiana BBQ Pitmasters Open Series rules, which will be provided upon entry. The entry fee is $100, and all teams must be registered by Monday, August 26. Additional details can be found in the flyer below.

Labor Day Association BBQ Contest Flyer
Gene Gauger / Labor Day Association BBQ Contest
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A Look Back at the 2023 Labor Day Association BBQ Contest

A look back at Jake Foster's BBQ entries
Canva / Jake Foster
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I participated in this event last year under the team name "Secondhand Smoke." While I was not anywhere near close to winning a trophy, I had fun and learned a lot that weekend. Having help from my wife, we cooked glazed chicken thighs, pork spare ribs, and pork loin. I would definitely swap out the pork loin for pork belly burnt ends if I were to go back and do it again. The beef category looks to be new this year, so I would imagine you might see (and smell) some brisket during the 2024 showdown.

The 10 Best BBQ Restaurants in the Evansville Area

Whether you're in the mood for pulled pork, smoked chicken, smoked sausage, brisket, or any other part of a pig, chicken, or cow that can be cooked low and slow and slathered in a sweet and smokey barbecue sauce, you won't go wrong stopping by any one of these restaurants southern Indiana or western Kentucky to get your fix.

Gallery Credit: Ryan O'Bryan

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If you're wanting the best BBQ in the country, here is your road trip map.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

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It doesn't matter if it is a backyard BBQ or you have set up camp for the weekend it is inevitable that a few uninvite party guess could drop by if you aren't vigilant about keep things clean and put up.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn