Exchange Club returns BBQ and chili cook-off to April

Apr. 10—Expect no more hot weather at this year's Exchange Club of Muskogee's Chili and Barbecue Cook-off.

After three years of holding it during the heat of June or May, the Exchange Club will have its 40th annual cook-off at 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday at Hatbox Field.

Cook-off chairman Robert Smith said the club held the 2021 cook-off in June, but people found the weather too hot to enjoy hot foods.

"So we moved it to May, but it was still too hot," Smith said. "Then we decided, let's go back to when it was originally."

The 36 previous cook-offs were in April, Smith said. He said he expects this weekend's temperatures to be cooler than they were for the past three cook-offs.

"Plus, April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and we support children's charities that fight child abuse," he said.

In 2023, Exchange Club distributed $40,000 in cook-off proceeds among 14 agencies, including Kids' Space and CASA for Children, which help abused children.

Exchange Club marks its 40th cook-off with a 1980s theme. Smith said visitors are encouraged to don their 1980s duds — parachute pants, hot pastels, big hair, shoulder pads, faded jeans, spandex — for Friday and Saturday events.

Festivities begin Friday with the Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wings Challenge at 6:30 p.m. A karaoke contest will be at 7 p.m.

Admission is free Friday night.

Gates for Saturday's cook-off open at 11 a.m. People get taster kits for admission fee of $10 for adults or $5 for ages 4-12. Children under 3 are free.

Smith said this year's cook-off has been recognized as a sanctioned cook-off by the Oklahoma Barbecue Society. This means participating cook teams can earn points toward a grand championship in Oklahoma City. Smith said one of the sanctioned competitions is for pulled pork.

"So if you are a pulled pork fan, you're going to have to come enjoy some pulled pork," Smith said.

People also can enjoy chicken, beans, hot links, brisket and plenty of chili. They can vote on their Crowd Pleasin' favorites in various categories, including showmanship.

There will be music all day on the main stage and activities on the CASA Kids' Zone.

Students from Zomac School of Music will perform throughout the day.