KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- If you've always wanted to be a chef, here's your chance to prove yourself. Start by firing up the grill. On Sept. 8, Kirksville will be home to the first-ever "Bulldog Barbeque and Blues Smoke at Stokes," a Missouri State championship Barbeque Competition.

Its sponsor, the Truman State University Football Team, wants more people to participate.

"I have 10 teams as of now. I'd like to get that up to 15," said Shea Carr, Graduate Assistant Football Coach and one of the main organizers. 

 "We got a proclamation from the Governor so our competition is the state championship, but if we get to 15, the winner gets a bid to the Jack Daniels All American BBQ Competition which is pretty prestigious and you have to win an event to get an invitation."

The entry fee is $150 for a 25 X 25 space and then additional $25 for an electrical source. There are four categories that barbecuers can compete in: beef brisket, chicken, pork ribs, and pork butt. To win Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, competitors must compete in all four categories. The winners will be announced during a free blues concert in the afternoon (1-3:30 p.m.) and then from 4 to 7 p.m., tailgaters will get to taste all of the entries for just $5.  Also, they'll get to decide who will get the People's Choice Award. The winner of that award will receive a $150 prize.

The competition will be judged by certified judges, supplied by the Kansas City BBQ Society.

There are more than 20 cash prizes at stake, including $1,000 Grand Champion and $500 for the Reserve Grand Champion.