The Smokin’ on the White BBQ Championship is set to kick off Sept. 6 and 7 at Riverside Park in conjunction with the 76th annual White River Water Carnival.

This year’s contest will be dual sanctioned with the Memphis BBQ Network and the Kansas City BBQ Society. 

Professional teams from across the country will converge on Batesville for their chance at more than $12,000 in prize money. There will also be an SCA steak cookoff on Friday night.  First prize is $750.

The public is invited to tour the pit area on Saturday, Sept. 7. Beginning at 2 p.m., patrons may

donate $10 to the Independence County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, in exchange for a sample plate from many of the competitors.

For more information about the contest, call Donna Turner at 870-613-1564. For information about the Water Carnival, contact the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 870-793-2378 or visit www.whiteriverwatercarnival.com.