The Shelby County Grill Fest Barbecue Cook-off will be Saturday, March 19 at the

 Windham Civic Center in Center, Texas, with cook teams from across east Texas and

western Louisiana vying for over $6,700 in prize money and the Grand Champion trophy

along with bragging rights. The barbecue cook-off is presented by Farmers State Bank and sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society. The event will feature three cooking categories including brisket, chicken and ribs.

The public is invited to enter the Dessert Cook-Off. Entries must be taken to the Windham Civic Center between 10-11:00 a.m. Judging will be at 11:00. There is a $10 fee per entry and a jackpot prize. A 42 Tournament will begin Friday night, March 18, at 7:00 p.m. at Sombreros Mexican Grill & Cantina, with the finals on Saturday in Foster Hall at the Civic Center. Players may pre-register at the Chamber or register on-site Friday. The entry is

$10 per person. Rules may be obtained at www.shelbycountychamber.com. Doors open at the Civic Center at 12 noon for spectators. An all-day, come and go wristband is $10 for the indoor and outdoor activities. The crowd will be entertained with live music presented by the Windham Civic Center when Joe Cuellar takes the stage at 2:00 p.m. Entries will be accepted for the Washer Pitching Contest sponsored by Shelby Savings

Bank at 12 noon. An outdoor Show & Shine Classic Car exhibit will be hosted by the Shelby County Cruisers. Tasting samples from Grill Fest will be shared throughout the event at the cook team stations to those with McDonalds wristbands. An awards presentation sponsored by the City of Center will round out the day's events at 5:00 p.m. Gold sponsor for the competition is Tyson Foods or at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office - 936-598-3682. Questions may be emailed to info@shelbycountychamber.com