Custom Application

Competition Entry

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Deadline: Feb 27, 2026 11:59 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Date: Mar 27, 2026 5:00 pm - Mar 28, 2026 9:00 pm (EST)
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$125.00-400.00

About the event

Uncle Carl’s BBQ Showdown Presented by the Department of NC VFW & The Dogwood Festival Benefiting: We Are One Big Happy Family Get ready, Fayetteville! The smell of smoked brisket, sizzling chicken, and slow-cooked ribs will fill the air at Uncle Carl’s BBQ Showdown, happening March 27–28, 2026. This family-friendly event is more than just a cookoff — it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and good old-fashioned fun. Teams from near and far will fire up their smokers and compete for bragging rights, trophies, and the title of Grand Champion. With categories in Brisket, Chicken, Ribs, and Pulled Pork, the competition will be fierce but friendly, showcasing the incredible talent and passion right here in our community. But this event is about more than great BBQ — it’s about coming together. Sponsored by the Department of NC VFW and The Dogwood Festival, the Showdown benefits We Are One Big Happy Family, an organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting our neighbors. Bring the whole family out to enjoy: 🍴 Delicious food & BBQ tastings 🎶 Live entertainment 🎪 A festival atmosphere with vendors & activities 🤝 Fellowship that highlights the many faces and stories of Fayetteville Whether you’re a competitor, a food lover, or just looking for a day of fun, Uncle Carl’s BBQ Showdown is the place to be. Join us as we celebrate community, honor tradition, and share in the joy of friendly competition.
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

About the application

  • Teams may consist of 1 to 5 members. No one under the age of 18.
  • $125 per category OR $400 for all four categories.
    • All fees are non-refundable.
  • To qualify for Grand Champion, your team must enter all four categories
    • Brisket
    • Chicken
    • Pulled Pork
    • Ribs
  • Individual category entries are welcome and encouraged, but do not qualify for Grand Champion.
  • Bonus points for a themed tent and outfit
  • Space and check-in instructions will be sent to the Team Captain via email.

Terms & Conditions

Eligibility & Teams

  • Teams may consist of 1 to 5 members.
  • Each team must designate a Team Captain who will serve as the primary contact.
  • To qualify for Grand Champion, teams must compete in all four categories (Brisket, Chicken, Ribs, Pulled Pork).
  • All teams must provide:
    • 10 Gallon Trash can and bags
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Gloves

Entry Fees

  • $125 per category OR $400 for all four categories.
  • All fees are non-refundable once payment is received.

Competition Rules

  • Each team is responsible for preparing their entries on-site.
  • All meats must be cooked during the official competition hours.
  • Garnishes or presentation styles must comply with competition guidelines (to be provided prior to event).
  • Turn-in times for each category will be strictly enforced; late entries will not be judged.

 

Judging & Awards

  • Judging will be conducted by a selected panel of judges.
  • Scoring rubrics will be released to the team captain
  • Decisions of the judges are final.
  • Awards will be given for each category as well as the Grand Champion.
  • Bonus points for themed tent and outfits

 

Conduct & Compliance

  • Teams are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner.
  • The use of abusive language, harassment, or disorderly conduct may result in disqualification.
  • This is a fun family friendly event, please act accordingly.

Prices

Brisket Only $125.00
Chicken Entry $125.00
Ribs Entry $125.00
Pulled Pork $125.00
Grand Champion Entry (all 4) $400.00

Questions on the application

User information

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Email
  • Gender
  • Birthday
  • Address

Additional information

  • Additional Teammate Names
  • How long have you all been BBQ-ing together?
  • What's your team name?
  • What inspired your team name?
  • Do you have a speciality style of BBQ?
  • Any special requests?
  • Post/District # that referred you
Competition Entry
Competition Entry
Uncle Carl's BBQ Showdown