Jacksonville, AL – The highly anticipated 3rd Cocky Cookoff BBQ Competition & Festival, hosted by the Jax State Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Engagement, will take place on Friday, October 11th, and Saturday, October 12th, 2024, at the Jax State RV Lot near AmFirst Stadium. This non-sanctioned amateur BBQ competition promises an exciting weekend of delicious food, lively entertainment, and fun activities, all while supporting Jacksonville State University (JSU) programs and colleges through the Jax State Annual Fund and the JSU Foundation.
The BBQ festival kicks off on Saturday, October 12th, with activities beginning at 10:30 a.m. The heart of the event is the BBQ competition, where teams will showcase their grilling skills, competing for the coveted Grand Champion Cocky Grill Master title. The festival is open to the public, offering a family-friendly atmosphere complete with BBQ samples, live entertainment, and vendor booths.
The competition features categories for Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Ribs, and even Dessert, ensuring a diverse array of mouth-watering BBQ dishes. Judging will commence at 11:30 a.m., and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony around 2:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners in each category, with separate divisions for seasoned pitmasters in the Cocky Grill Master division and aspiring chefs in the Backyard BBQ division.
Additionally, participants can compete in the Taster’s Choice Competition and Cocky’s Chili Taste-Off to earn bragging rights and additional prizes.
The festival welcomes 32 attendees and is seeking more participants to join the fun as BBQ competitors, judges, vendors, or sponsors. BBQ teams are encouraged to register in advance, with options for both Cocky Grill Master and Backyard BBQ divisions. Students can register free of charge and compete for the benefit of their chosen JSU fund. Meanwhile, arts & crafts, food, and product vendors can secure spots to showcase their goods at the festival.
Vendor registration is available for a $40 fee, which will benefit the Jax State Annual Fund. Food trucks and local artisans are also encouraged to join, providing a variety of offerings to festival-goers.
For those wanting a hands-on BBQ experience, judge seats are available to the public. No certification is required, making it easy for anyone with a passion for BBQ to be part of the competition.
In a lighthearted twist, the Jax State Office of Alumni Engagement is rallying for the pardon of Chicken Patty, a symbolic gesture to save the festival’s favorite chicken from the grill. Attendees can support this playful campaign by donating to the 1883 Fund for Greatest Needs and help Patty meet her goal of survival for another year.
Join the fun and festivities on Saturday, October 12th, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and witness Chicken Patty’s fate while indulging in a day of classic BBQ and entertainment.
Whether you’re interested in being part of the BBQ competition, serving as a judge, showcasing your products as a vendor, or simply enjoying the food and festivities, there are plenty of ways to participate in the Cocky Cookoff BBQ Competition & Festival.
For more details or to register, visit the official event page. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to support a great cause while enjoying some of the best BBQ in Jacksonville!
