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JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF

BURNET — Last year’s Burnet BBQ Cook-off was the largest in its 16-year history with 87 teams.

Year 17 is expected to be bigger.

“So far, we’re on track to probably be bigger,” promoter Damon Beierle said. “We’re going to have vendors, kids games and samples.”

The 17th annual Burnet BBQ Cook-off & Music Festival is Sept. 26-27 at the Burnet County Fairgrounds, located on Houston Clinton Drive. Cooks will compete for the best margarita, dessert, beans, chicken, pork ribs, wild game and brisket.

That’s a lot of sampling, especially with nearly 100 teams competing.

“It’s good people and always fun,” Beierle said. “It’s almost like when you’re out at a cook-off, you’re just away, in your own place.”

Music begins at noon Sept. 27. Those performing during the day include Joelton Mayfield, Chris Beall and Denny Herrin. A dance featuring the Luke Williams Band begins at 8 p.m. Dance admission is by donation with all proceeds going to A Cure For Ethan.

“He’s a local guy I graduated high school with,” Beierle said.

Ethan Rogers was diagnosed with kidney cancer in May. He died Sept. 15.

Three fundraisers are planned for Rogers’ family to pay for his final expenses. Beierle said those events will continue.

“If we can get him paid up, all the rest will go to a cancer research organization,” Beierle said.

A 5K run is scheduled for Oct. 11, and a team roping event for Oct. 25. Go to www.acureforethan.com for more information.

Cooks can register for the cook-off through the evening of Sept. 26 at the fairgrounds. A total of $6,000 in prize money will be awarded at the cook-off.

Go to www.burnetcookoff.com for registration forms and more information on the 17th annual Burnet BBQ Cook-off & Music Festival.

jared@thepicayune.com