The Hinesville Area Arts Council is inviting barbecue enthusiasts to show off their grill skills at this year’s annual Blues & BBQ festival, which runs from 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in downtown Hinesville.

Applications are being accepted for barbecue contestants. Categories include pork, beef, chicken, ribs and people’s choice. Cash prizes and trophies or certificates will be awarded to the first- and second-place winners in each category, with the overall winner receiving $200.

Contestants also may apply to be vendors. To be eligible, the applicant must enter at least one category in the contest. Vendor space is limited.

The contest entry fee is $25. Vendor fees are $50 if submitted by Aug. 17, $75 by Sept. 7 and $100 after Sept. 8.

The public may nominate favorite barbecue joints by emailing discoverdowntown@coastalnow.net for an application.

The Blues and BBQ event was sponsored by the Hinesville Area Arts Council and is supported by the Hinesville Downtown Development Authority and Fort Stewart MWR.

For more information, call Katrina Barrow at 877-4332 or email to the previous address.