MARIETTA — Chicken and ribs and brisket, oh my. Barbecue fans will have an opportunity to witness greatness in the making at the Marietta River City BBQ Competition this weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctions more than 500 barbecue contests worldwide, including the one in Marietta, which has been held off and on since 2008.

“Within the KCBS organization, barbecue competitions are held around the world, including Australia and Europe,” said Emmeline Wharton, the event organizer. “Barbecue is almost like a sport or hobby. Being in a competition is competing with other barbecuers and seeing who has the best taste, appearance and tenderness.”

Each team is judged in four meat categories: chicken, ribs, pulled pork and brisket. Certified barbecue judges critique each meat category. A class on becoming a CBJ will be held at First Baptist Church of Williamstown on July 28.

During this weekend’s event, there will be 14 judges and, so far, 13 teams competing, including teams from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Wharton said teams can sign up until 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

Brotha K’s Boarbecue, out of Vincent, will be competing again this year after being crowned Reserve Grand Champion last year.

“That’s just a fancy way of saying we came in second place,” joked owner Tad Kehl. “We took first in pork and third in ribs and scored pretty consistently overall.”

Kehl and his team, consisting of wife, Denise, son, Connor and Connor’s girlfriend, Caitlyn, are upping their competition game this year.

“We did seven competitions last year and we’re going to try to get to 10 this year. But we try to stay close. Three hours is about as far as we’ll go,” Kehl said.

In the not-too-distant future, Brotha K’s plans to market and sell its sauces and rubs and will continue catering selectively.

While they may not give up any tricks of the trade, the public is invited to watch the competitors prepare their entries. Just don’t get too close to the action.

“The general public would be a spectator during the competition. Almost like watching tennis, football, soccer, or BBQ Pitmaster on TV,” Wharton said.

Kehl said that many times there are food vendors selling the same types of food that the competitors prepare. The teams are busy, especially between 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Saturday, but Kehl said he doesn’t mind spectators asking questions.

“It hasn’t become distracting yet,” he said.

The awards ceremony will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. The teams are competing for $3,000 and bragging rights. The Marietta River City BBQ competition is a qualifying event for the American Royal and the lottery draw for the Jack Daniels World Barbecue Championship.

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If You Go

* What: Marietta River City BBQ Competition

* When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; Awards ceremony 3:30 p.m. Saturday

* Where: Washington County Fairgrounds

* Who: 13 teams from Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Additional teams can sign up until 11:59 p.m. Thursday

* For information: http://eventsbyemmeline.com or 740-629-7139