Hammond BBQ, Inc., a non-profit organization, will host the 17th “Hammond Smokin’ BBQ Challenge” with competition, barbecue and charity.

Each March, the event attracts people from the local and national area to participate. The barbecue will include the Kansas City Barbeque Society contest, the Backyard Boogie contest, the Chicken Little contest, Tip-2-Taste and craft vendors.

The KCBS contest includes four meat categories including pork ribs, pork shoulder or Boston butt, beef brisket and chicken. The entry fee for all the meat categories is $300.

The Backyard Boogie may appeal to the local barbecue enthusiast who wants to prove they are the best cook in town.

The Chicken Little contest is for kids from 6-16 years old who want to show off their kitchen skills. During this competition, the kids will prepare, cook and season a chicken, and they will be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The entry fee is $50, and judges will award kids from first to 10th place.

To taste the barbecue of participating booths and leave a tip, attendees can sign up for the Taste-2-Tip.

Local vendors can pay a $125 fee to set up on Friday and Saturday, and local bands will perform.

Proceeds from the event go to charity organizations like Special Olympics, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Tangi Food Pantry and several others.