For the amateur in you, here's your chance to shine. On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Covington Lions will hold a Backyard BBQ competition in chicken and pork rib categories. Here's the place for the aspiring cook to get a taste of what the pro competitors go through every week. And, if you think you are really good, come cook in the "Anything But" dessert competition on Friday night.

You will have a 20 x 20 site to pitch your tent, if you'd like. Set-up begins at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, and judging begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10.

Awards will be presented at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday. This event is just like the big boys - it is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and KCBS rules apply.

Deadline for completed application and check made payable to the Covington Lions Club is October 1. Go to the Lions Web site at www.covingtongalions.org under Fall Festival for the application, or call Buddy Adams at (770) 639-7089 or (770) 786-3995.

Join the fun and camaraderie. While there, see the Big Boys do their thing in the Brisket, Chicken, Pork and Rib categories. The recent Cartersville event had 100 Backyard BBQ entries. C'mon Newton county and surrounding counties. Let's have a show down.