By Allison Peck
North Platte will be filled with the smell of barbecue and the sound of country music this weekend as the Sandhills Smoke Show BBQ takes over Pals Brewing Company.
The two-day event is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25-26, and will feature a Kansas City Barbeque Society Master Series competition, a $7,000 prize pool, public barbecue sales and live music.
The weekend begins Friday as barbecue teams arrive and prepare for competition. A One Meat Rib Contest will have entries turned in at 6:30 p.m., with awards at 7:45 p.m.
Live music will follow, with Brady James performing at 6:30 p.m. and country duo Love and Theft taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Love and Theft is known for the platinum-certified No. 1 hit "Angel Eyes." General admission tickets for the concert are $27, while VIP meet-and-greet tickets are $50.
Saturday will focus on the championship barbecue competition. Teams will compete in the traditional KCBS categories of chicken, ribs, pork and brisket, with turn-ins beginning at noon.
The public can also take part through the People's Choice competition, with turn-in beginning at 2 p.m. BBQ plates will be available for purchase from 2 to 4 p.m.
The event will wrap up with the final awards ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The Sandhills Smoke Show is being produced by Airstream Ventures with support from Visit North Platte and community partners. Organizers say the event is designed to bring competitors, visitors and local residents together while creating a destination event for North Platte.
Visit North Platte Executive Director Lisa Burke said the event combines competition, hospitality and community spirit while introducing visitors to the area.
The Sandhills Smoke Show will be held at Pals Brewing Company, 4520 South Buffalo Bill Avenue, in North Platte.
Teams can still register for the barbecue competition, and tickets remain available for Friday night's Love and Theft concert. More information and tickets are available through the Sandhills Smoke Show event page at AirstreamVentures.com.