The Gettysburg Cook-off, sponsored by CenturyLink and the Adams County Arts Council, features something for everyone with samples, food, beer, music, games, vendors, ‘Kidzzone’ and an American Cornhole Tournament. Proceeds from the event will be used to support arts education programming at the Adams County Arts Education Center.

Saturday will feature The BBQ Skirmish with teams competing in chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket followed by a Wing Siege with teams competing in four categories. On Sunday things will heat up with a Chili Conflict, a Grilled Cheese Ambush sponsored by The Gettysburg Times, and a closing Powder Keg Bake-off sponsored by Musselman’s and Lucky Leaf. Judges are coming from across the East Coast to determine team placements and whether the North prevails or if the South will rise again. CBS 21’s Tanya Foster will join the judges in the heat of the Chili Conflict.

According to Arts Council Executive Director Chris Glatfelter, "When teams and judges from as far away as Alabama and Kansas contacted us even before we received official sanctioning, we knew this event would attract enormous attention. These teams are excited that there’s now a Gettysburg Cook-Off and that is a truly great thing for the community. Many of these teams have told us they’re staying for the week, which is a boost for our local businesses and sponsors."

"We encourage folks to come out and bring a friend. Teams will offer samples of their entries in the competition, as supplies last, and people may cast their vote for People’s Choice. Plus we’ll offer music all weekend, ranging from blue grass to jazz to rock to oldies," said Glatfelter.

Great Country WGTY 107.7 has announced a special country concert featuring Nashville recording artist Jessie James at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Saturday’s other musical acts include jazz singer Amy Banks from Lancaster, bluegrass masters Charm City Limits of Baltimore , and Hanover rockers 6 Cent. Sunday features oldies by Savagefunk from Reading and regional rock favorite Joyryde.

Current sponsors supporting this inaugural event and the Arts Education Center include CenturyLink, Gateway Gettysburg, WGTY/WGET, Knouse Foods, the Butterfield Family, Kennie’s Community Marketplace, Coca-Cola, CBS21 and CW15, Gettysburg Times, Battlefield Harley-Davidson, and Musselman and Creager, LLP. Some business or corporation sponsorship packages remain for the event. Contact Dan Zalewski at 717.334.5006. Vendor space is also available.

Local restaurants, home grill masters ("backyarders"), corporate or organizational teams are invited to enlist in the fun by competing for cash and prizes. Volunteer fire companies are invited to compete in their own division, the "Firemen’s Smoke-off." Registration deadline is June 30.

Save with advance tickets at $7 for adults or $12 for a weekend pass and $3 for children. Add $3 per adult ticket at the gate. Tickets are available online at www.adamsarts.org, the Arts Education Center, 125 S. Washington St. and The Wine Store at 17 on the Square, both in Gettysburg, Hanover Hearth, 748 Baltimore St., Hanover and CenturyLink stores in Carlisle and Chambersburg. Event hours are noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Special business group prices, which include single day entrance, private tent, and food/beverage, are available for business interested in bringing their summer employee appreciation function to the event.

For more information about the Gettysburg Cook-off – North vs. South, contact the Adams County Arts Council at 717.334.5006, aa@adamsarts.org or visit www.adamsarts.org.