Championship level barbecue teams from all over the U.S. and Canada will compete at The Market at Fairhaven this weekend, August 7 and 8, for over $7,500 in prize money...and the public is invited to sample the best of the best BBQ.  Special guest Captain Keith Colburn of "The Deadliest Catch" will make an appearance on Sunday.

On Saturday, August 7, "Sneak Preview Day", visitors are invited to mingle with the teams, check out their grills and set-ups.  Lunch at the MarketQ All-American BBQ will be available, and a beer garden opens at 11:30.  Live music by Lumpkins from 12:30 to 3:30 and War Cry from 4 to 7 p.m. will kick off the fun, as the tantalizing aromas of pork butt, brisket, chicken and ribs fill the air at The Market, 3125 Old Fairhaven Parkway.

On Sunday, August 8, "The Main Event", sampling bracelets for $5 are available so guests can taste and compare entries in each of the categories.  The barbecued items will have been cooking over low heat for several hours, so they'll be ready for sampling.

Meet "Deadliest Catch" Captain Keith Colburn of the crab boat "The Wizard": he'll have autographs, photos and prizes.  Relax in the beer garden beginning at 11:30 and enjoy live music by the Marion Weston Trio from noon to 3 p.m.  Stay to watch the judging and see who walks away with top prizes for the best BBQ.  This is an official event of the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association. 

To start off the weekend, join us on Friday afternoon, August 6, from 4:30-7:30, as Bent Grass, a Northwest string band from Glacier, will be performing at The Market, where the MarketQ BBQ opens at 11 a.m.

For more information, check out www.pnwba.com