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Ahhhh, it’s BBQ Season, Folks, and the delicious scent of an array of smoked meats will fill the Hope Town Square beginning at 4 p.m. Friday when the 14^th Annual Smoke on the Square competition returns.

Organizers say team registration will remain open until the event's start Friday. 

Hosted by the Community Center of Hope, the competition will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16 and 11 a.m. to sellout on Saturday, May 17. All meals will come with beans, chips and a drink.

The competition is open to all levels of competitors, organizers say. Winners are determined by a panel of judges.

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

Registration fees are $75 for meat categories and $5 for BBQ Sauce and Dessert. There are NO refunds of registration, according to the competition’s web site.

“The winners are determined by a panel of judges that consists of several Kansas City Barbeque Society certified and other trained judges,” the competition's registration form states. “Judges will determine the winners in each category of beef, chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork, dessert, and sauce.”

The Prize Money Breakdown this year is as follows:
Per EACH CATEGORY --
1^st Place - $200 + Trophy
2^nd Place - $150 + Trophy
3^rd Place - $75 + Trophy

1^st Place Dessert - $50 + Trohy
1^st Place BBQ Sauce - $50 + Trophy

4^th – 10^th Place – Ribbon

Grand Champion – Trophy
Reserve Grand Champion – Trophy

Proceeds from this year’s Smoke on the Square will benefit the Hope 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.