Finding the People’s Choice Winner at the Best Buckin’ Barbeque Cook-off takes a keen sense of down-home tasting expertise and a big appetite.

The Boys & Girls Club of Athens needs yours.

Participants can sample award-winning barbeque at the state championship Saturday at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cook-off opens to the general public at 10 a.m.

For $2, the public can judge barbeque from nearly 70 professional and amateur cooking teams and vote for their favorite. The winner, announced that afternoon, will receive a trophy and $300.

The Best Buckin’ Barbeque is an annual fundraiser in Athens that is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Proceeds from The Best Buckin’ BBQ will help the Boys & Girls Club of Athens.

It is sponsored by Southern Crossroads, a group of local citizens that brings events to the community to support of local causes. General admission is $5. Children age 6 and under admitted free. For more information, go to www.BestBuckinBBQ.org.