The 19th annual Cape BBQ Fest starts today at 4:30 p.m. and concludes Saturday afternoon. This Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event hosted by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees fills Arena Park with teams trying to barbecue the best chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder/butt/picnic and beef brisket. Teams sell their food at a supper from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Arena Building. Food tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Children 10 and under eat free with a donation to Toybox. A showmanship competition from 7 to 8 p.m. will feature the barbecue teams performing skits in costume. The Mike Renick Band will start at 8 p.m. The festival picks back up at 10 a.m. Saturday, and the awards ceremony commences at 3 p.m.

-- From staff reports