Two onlookers are pictured enjoying the live music at last year’s South Texas Music Fest – Chili and Barbecue Cook-off. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Sharkeys Beach Club, 2600 State Hwy. 361. Besides music all day and into the evening, cooks will compete for prizes in the chili, barbecue brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken and jackpot pinto beans cook-offs. Spectators can sample the cuisine, for a donation, while enjoying the musical entertainment. STAFF PHOTO BY MURRAY JUDSON Mama always said to finish everything on your plate, and that won’t be a problem at Saturday’s 10th annual South Texas Music Fest – Chili and Barbecue Cook-off.

Mouth-watering chili, barbecue brisket, pork spare ribs and chicken and jackpot pinto beans will take center stage at the cook-off on Saturday, Oct. 9.

Cooks will compete for prizes while spectators fill their bellies and enjoy listening to live music..

The event will be held at Sharkeys Beach Club, 2600 State Hwy. 361, as a benefit for the Jody McCormick Vocational Scholarship Fund.

The event begins on Friday, Oct. 8, with registration for the CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International)- sanctioned chili cook-off, International Barbecue Cookers Association (IBCA) barbecue cook-off and the bean cookoff. Cooks can sign-up from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday. Those wishing to pre-register can stop by the club or call 749-4254.

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

No admission is charged for spectators, who don’t have to stand by with mouths watering at the smell of all those tasty treats. For a donation that goes to the scholarship fund they can enjoy a sample.

Trophies and ribbons are awarded for best entries and showmanship.

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

A People’s Choice trophy will be awarded in the chili and barbecue divisions to the 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.

A ribbon will go to the first place beancooking team.

The team that travels the farthest to the competition will be recognized with a ribbon award. RV’s are welcome, but no hook-ups are available.

Live music by Todd Dorn and the SeaDrifters, Blake Sparks, The Rockaholics and Victims of Circumstance will keep the groove going outside all day.

Entertainment will continue into the evening with the Sun Salutations along with Todd Dorn and the SeaDrifters and the Rockaholics performing inside. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., and a $6 cover charge will go to the scholarship fund. Tickets are on sale now for Saturday night’s performance.

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.