The people will have their say at the eighth annual South Texas Music Fest - Chili, Bean and Barbecue Cook-off on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4.

The event, to benefit the Jody Mc- Cormick Scholarship Fund, will feature People's Choice awards for the first time in addition to the usual cooking and showmanship awards.

Festivities begin tomorrow with registration for the CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International)-sanctioned chili cook-off, International Barbecue Cookers Association (IBCA) barbecue cook-off and the bean cook-off. Sign up from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at Sharkey's Beach Club, 2600 State Hwy. 361.

Entry fees are $20 per team for the chili cook-off, $35 for the brisket, $15 each for pork spareribs and half a chicken, and $10 for the bean cook-off.

All cooking must be done on site.

The cooking and live music continue Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Sharkey's parking lot.

First through third place will be awarded for chili, and ribbons will be awarded for fourth through 10th place. First through third place ribbons will be awarded for showmanship.

The People's Choice trophy will be awarded to the chili team that raises the most money for the scholarship fund.

Chili cooks will be striving to earn points that will allow them to compete at the Terlingua Chili Cook-off.

First through third place trophies will be awarded in all three of the barbecue categories. Ribbons will be awarded for showmanship for first through 10th's places in all three of the barbecue categories.

A trophy will be awarded in the barbecue division for Grand Slam Best All-Around.

A People's Choice award will also be presented in the barbecue division to the team that raises the most money for the scholarship fund.

A ribbon plus the cash pot will go to the first place bean cooking team.

The team that travels the farthest to the competition will be recognized with a ribbon award.

Awards will be presented starting at 5 p.m.

Entertainment lineup during the cook-off will be Mystic Journey at 11 a.m., a band to be announced at 1:15 p.m., and Cornerstone will play at 3:30 p.m.

That evening, doors to Sharkey's will open at 6 p.m. and a $7 cover charge will go to the scholarship fund. Bands scheduled are Ray T and the City Crew at 7:30 p.m., Lyrical Bynge at 9:30 p.m. and headlining the evening, The Scott Wiggins Band will take the stage at 11:30 p.m.

The event provides scholarships in McCormick's name for graduating seniors at Port Aransas High School. McCormick was owner of Sharkey's and nightclubs around the state prior to his death in 2006.

For more information call 749- 4254.