Barbecue fans from across the region came to Cape Girardeau this weekend for the 18th annual Cape BBQ Fest. The two-day event was organized by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees.

Event chairman and Jaycees president Robbie Guard said this year's festivities included a new feature -- a Friday night dinner in the A.C. Brase Arena Building. For $10, festival-goers had their choice of a pork steak or chicken dinner with sides. Children 10 and younger ate free with the donation of a new toy. Guard said 665 people attended the dinner. All proceeds from the festival benefited the Cape Girardeau Jaycees Toybox.

Friday's events concluded with a performance by the Mike Renick Band and a silent auction.

More than 50 teams from five states competed in Saturday's barbecue cookoff. Guard said the teams were critiqued by 52 judges from the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Categories included Most Miles, Pig Dawg and Best Name, which was given to "Two Rubs and a Spank." Another category, Robbie's Choice, allowed Guard to award a prize to one of the event's competitors. He chose the Grill Sergeants from the Army National Guard.

"They're fun, they're great and they protect us," Guard said.

David Fager, left, of team Two Rubs and a Spank, slices his brisket with the help of Drew Balsman, right, during the 18th Annual Cape BBQ Fest, put on by the Cape Girardeau Jaycees, at Arena Park on Saturday, August 28, 2010. Fifty-three teams competed in this year's event. (Kristin Eberts)

Other winners included Warden's Q from Kennett, Mo.; Redneck Grillers of Kennett; and Four Smokin' Butts from Illinois.

Although the Bluff City Sweet Loins did not place this year, team members said they still had a good time.

"We didn't do as well as we normally do, but it is a very competitive event. We really enjoy coming here. It is very nicely done," Dennis Spurlock said. He and the other three members of his crew having been traveling to the festival from Jonesboro, Ark., for 15 years. He said they plan on coming next year, too.

Guard said the event raised anywhere from $5,000 to $7,000 for the Toybox program, which provides toys to 500 families within the Cape Girardeau city limits every Christmas.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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