Barbecue cooks, both professional and amateur, converge at downtown Fort Gibson's Centennial Square Friday and Saturday, to participate in the “Smokin' the Fort Bar-B-Q and Bluegrass Festival.”

Throughout Friday evening, and the all-day Saturday event, the public will be munching on lip-smacking barbecue, browsing vendors, pointing the children toward a Kids Corner, and tapping their toes to free music concerts.

The public should bring lawn chairs to enjoy it all, said Brad Clinkenbeard, festival chairman.

The professional cooks will earn points toward awards presented by the prestigious Kansas City Barbecue Society. They'll also get to see local amateur cooks competing in a People's Choice category, each team hoping the public will judge them the best in either individual or church team competition.

“We have 12 entries signed up in the professional category,“ Clinkenbeard said, “But, because these people really don't get involved until the week it's going to happen, up to 20 may participate.”

He said those competing in the Kansas City Barbecue Society category will likely come from all over this part of the state. Because this is a registered event, is nearby, and is at the end of the seasonal tour, it's a way for area professionals to accumulate points and increase their ranking without having to drive great distances.

“And,” he said with a grin, “they can get home in time for trick or treat.”

“There's supposed to be five of the top 25 in the Kansas City Barbecue Society already signed up for this,” Clinkenbeard said. They will be scored by professional judges. Local barbecue cooks will be judged by members of the public who purchase a tasting kit Saturday.

The music portion of the festival begins with a country music concert by the band Heartland from 8 p.m. Friday until midnight. Saturday features a full day of bluegrass music beginning at 10 a.m. The three bluegrass groups featured Saturday include SpringStreet, The Park Family and Rockin' Acoustics Circus. They will entertain until 5 p.m.

Fort Gibson's Chamber of commerce will use proceeds from this event as seed money for next year's festival, with the balance benefiting the town in some way.

Smokin’ the Ford

Friday

8 p.m. — Country music concert till midnight by Heartland band.