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BBQ Season is here and that means registration is now open for Smoke on the Square 2024.

Hosted by the Community Center of Hope, this year’s competition will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday May 17 and 11 a.m. to sellout on Saturday May 18 on the Hope Town Square in downtown Hope.

All meals will come with beans, chips and a drink.

The annual competition is open to competitors of all levels and winners are determined by a panel of judges including several trained and certified judges representing the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Winners will be determined in each category of Meat (brisket, chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork), Dessert, and BBQ Sauce.

Per competition rules, meat will be judged on taste/flavor and texture/tenderness.

Registration fee is $60 for meat categories and $5 for BBQ sauce and dessert. Registration fees are NONREFUNDABLE.

The 2024 prize money breakdown is as follows within EACH category:
1^st Place - $200 + trophy
2^nd Place - $150 + trophy
3^rd Place - $75 + trophy

In the dessert and sauce categories, the breakdown is as follows:
1^st place dessert wins $50 + trophy
1^st place BBQ Sauce wins $50 + trophy
4^th through 10^th places will be awarded a ribbon.

Both Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion each win a trophy.

NOTE: There are 10 x 10 vendor booth spaces available for $40 each for non-food vendors. All booth space is located on the Hope Town Square for this event. Please visit HERE to download a vendor letter and application.

For more information or to register, visit Smoke on the Square and be sure to keep up with the latest BBQ news on Facebook HERE.

Proceeds from Smoke on the Square 2024 will benefit the Community Center and its array of community services and programs that benefit area children and families, including educational programs like the center’s early learning and before/after school programs and summer camp.