BBQ championship returns in April

For a third year in a row, Hesperians will have a front-row seat to some of the best barbecue in Southern California.

The third annual Golden State BBQ Championship will take place at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park on April 10, part of a triple-threat event, called Cars, Cure and 'cue.

"There's chicken, spareribs, pork shoulder and beef brisket categories," said Brandon McAnulty, with the Hesperia Recreation and Park District. The district is co-sponsoring the event, along with the city of Hesperia.

The cooks will be competing for a $3,500 prize, but not all of them will have samples available for the public.

"They will be selling some [2 oz] samples," said McAnulty. "Some of the teams, not all of them."

He advised BBQ fans to come by between 1 and 4 p.m. for the best chance at getting BBQ.

The car show portion of "Cars, Cure and 'cue" is sponsored by the Over the Hill Gang, and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Vintage and custom vehicles," said McAnulty. "They'll have awards and things like that, people's choice awards. People can come in and vote for the one they like."

And all the while, Hesperia's Relay for Life event will be taking place in the park, raising money and awareness for cancer research.

"That runs from 10 o'clock Saturday morning, 24 hours until Sunday," said McAnulty. "Over in the amphitheater part of the park ... they will be doing laps. ... They'll have teams set up to give information about various sorts of cancer [support groups] and [research]."

The amphitheater will also perform a more traditional role, with bands playing on stage and a karaoke contest sponsored by Pasco's Pizza starting at 6 p.m.

The relay's Luminaria-lighting ceremony -- honoring those who have previously battled cancer -- begins at 9 p.m.

"There will be things at all three corners of the park on Saturday," said McAnulty.

Last year's event attracted 1,500 to 2,000 attendees, he estimates.

"I'm hoping for the good weather," said McAnulty. "Last year it was a little cold and windy."

Cars, Cure and 'cue takes place on Saturday, April 10, starting at 10 a.m. at Hesperia Civic Plaza Park.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at 760-956-7108 or at beau@hesperiastar.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Hesperia.Star