The tenth annual Contraband days Cajun Pirate Barbeque Cook-off will take place on the grounds of the Lake Charles Civic Center on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Nearly 15 teams will use their unique blends of spices, barbeque sauces and cooking methods to churn out the best chicken, ribs and Boston butt in an effort to win up to $250 dollars and bragging rights.

Michael Warren, Event Organizer and Member of sponsoring organization, Omegas of Greater Lake Charles said that barbeque cook-offs are unique in that nearly anything can come off of those coals.

“The only rule we have is that there can be no open flames or gas grills, so they can use ovens, charcoal or barbeque pits. The teams will be a range of independent cooks as well as some businesses who have formed groups to compete. They’ll all be cooking more than is needed for judging, so there should be plenty for everyone to sample,” he said.

Judging for the cook-off will begin at 12 p.m. with the chicken competition, ribs will be judged at 1 p.m. and Boston butt at 2 p.m., with results to be announced at 3 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the scholarship fund of the Omegas of Greater Lake Charles, a non-profit organization that fosters the growth of young men in the community by giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education.

“All of the proceeds will go towards the scholarships we give out to youth throughout the community. The scholarships are enough for them to buy books and such, and makes it so they have less problems to worry about in their first couple of semesters in college,” Warren said.

(American Press Archives)

Michelle Higginbotham