The event organizer, Jon Oliver says they do the barbecue cook off for a good cause

"To raise money for, to run the hospitals, it costs about a million dollars a day to keep them up and running. You don't have to have insurance to go to them, you don't have to have money to go to them," said Oliver.

Grillers will start grilling at midnight Friday night and it will last until noon on Saturday.  The judging will start around noon and end at 3:00 p.m. when they will crown an overall winner.  The winner will go on to compete at the finals in Kansas City this summer.  The grillers are judged based on their pork, brisket, ribs, and chicken.  The judging is based on the tenderness of the meat and the taste. 

Barbecue cook off events are sponsored by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, as well as local sponsors.  The Mexico event also includes many activities for children and adults.  There is a children's contest that involves grilling a hamburger and decorating it and the Audrain County Fire Department will be at the grounds Saturday to demonstrate fire safety around the grill. 

The annual event started last year with only 5 teams participating.  Oliver decided to expand the event and advertise through the Kansas City Barbecue Society.  This year, there are 19 teams involved with the event.  Martinsburg American Legion participates in barbecue cook offs every year.  Charlie Schafer is the treasurer of the legion, he says this one has been one of their favorites.

"We go to about two a year, but we really enjoy this one.  It's a great crowd, a great time, and we've got a lot of really good food," said Schafer.

Oliver says he hopes to continue the event in the future.  He expects to see over 300 people throughout Friday night and Saturday.