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If you have a special recipe, or the best smoked tenderloin in the neighborhood, there’s a chance to put your spatula where your mouth is and enter a barbecue challenge in Washington.

The 2017 Washington Farmers’ Market BBQ & Smoker Challenge is being held July 13th. Market master Bob Shepherd says registration is open now and he’s looking forward to it. He’s asking area service groups and organizations to consider taking part, “We’re putting that challenge out as well to not just the service groups, but to our firefighters, and our police men, and groups like that, our road people. They always are bragging about their barbecues that they have for their people. So, you know, we’ve got a number of fire departments in Washington County, let’s put up. Let’s see who is the best.”

Plates need to be ready at 5:30 p.m. and food must be prepared on your grill or smoker in Central Park for the judges to taste. Shepherd adds there have been some unlikely entries in years past from tofu to grilled pizza. Anything from lamb to vegetables is welcome. He adds it’s a chance to practice ahead of the county fair contest. Samples for market goers are also encouraged. To enter contact Shepherd or message Washington Farmers Market on Facebook.