Staff Writer

Friday and Saturday on the campus at USC-Union, the smells of barbecue will mingle with music, the sounds of firefighters' axes and the laughter of children during the 13th annual Uniquely Union Festival.

Barbecue teams from across South Carolina and several other states will battle it out in a cook-off that is both the state championship and a Kansas City Barbecue Association sanctioned event. They will compete for over $10,000 in cash prizes and trophies.

“If you have never been, I wish you would come try it one time,” said festival director David “Tubo” Owens. “Local government and businesses make it happen. There is no admission; it's totally self-supported with sponsorships.”

Along with professional barbecue cooking, the festival also offers a “Backyard Barbecue” division which this year will include three teams from Union County - “Big T's and Ma,” “The City Boyz” and “Poor Boys.” These teams compete for around $600 in cash and trophies.

“We had a backyard team from last year, ‘Two Old Men and a Grill,” who went pro this year,” Owens said. “It's a stepping stone to move on up.”

Joe Amore, a past Uniquely Union champion, is returning this year.

“This year alone he has already won seven qualifying events,” Owens said.

Bake sale

Participants in Union County Senior Centers will hold a bake sale Friday and Saturday behind USC-Union. The sale will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Union County Council on Aging Director Earl Black said donations of baked goods will be accepted at senior centers in Union, Lockhart, Jonesville and Buffalo Thursday and Friday morning before the sale begins. Black said Bill Vanderwilt, who is with the company building the Wal-Mart Super Center, offered to do something to help the senior citizens and donated a booth which will be used for the bake sale and other events.

“For every $2.25 we make we will be able buy another meal,” Black said.

Photo contest

A photography contest is being held with entries being displayed in the student lobby at USC-Union. Entries are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday at Sight and Sound on East Main Street. Entries must be 8 by 10, taken by the person submitting them and matted on white for display. There is a $5 entry fee and checks and money orders should be made out to Uniquely Union. Entries must be acceptable for public viewing. Judging will be done by the attending public. Categories include people/children, pets, landscapes/places, digital art enhancement, flowers and still life.

Judging will be in three age group categories - children 5 to 12, youth 13 to 17 and adults 18 and over. Cash prizes will be awarded; the amounts given are subject to participation.

“And an anonymous donor has donated extra cash prizes for the children and youth categories,” said Melinda Wilburn, owner of Sight and Sound Photography, who is helping to organize the contest.

For more information call Mrs. Wilburn at 427-3262.

Pageant

The Miss Uniquely Union pageant for girls ages birth to age 18 will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. outdoors on the stage near USC-Union's Main Building. There is a $35 entry fee. Contestants may wear formal wear, church or pageant wear or fancy dresses. There is a photogenic category; those entering will need to bring a picture. The deadline for entry is Wednesday. Applications may be picked up and turned in at Sight and Sound. Those wanting more information may call Amanda Ferguson at the studio.

Corn hole contest

A “Corn Hole” tournament will be held for young and old, also near the Main Building of the campus

“It's kind of like playing beanbag horseshoes,” Mrs. Ferguson said, adding that the sport has become popular in Union. “You try to get a beanbag full of corn through a hole.”

Registration for the double-elimination tournament is at 10 a.m., the tournament begins at 11 a.m. Teams will have two people. Those who preregister by Friday pay $20. Registration the day of the tournament is $25. Cash prizes will be awarded - $100 to first place, $50 to second place and $25 to third place. Sight and Sound also is the contact for those wanting more information.

Pig Idol

A “Pig Idol” singing contest is open to people of all ages and will be held Saturday beginning at noon on the stage near the USC-Union Gazebo. Prizes will be awarded based on contestant interest and tentatively will be $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. For more information or an entry form call festival committee member Kacie Petrie at 426-0087. There is a $20 registration fee. The contest is sponsored by USC-Union, which is a festival partner.

Contestants will be judged 50 percent by applause meter and 50 percent by out of town judges.

Combat challenge

The Uniquely Union Firefighters Combat Challenge also is seeking contestants.

Registration for the contest begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday The contest begins at 10 a.m.

Relay events will be held with five team members on the course running individual activities.

Several out of town teams have entered the contest already, organizer Kevin Montgomery said.

Volunteers are needed to help with the event, both in setting up and taking down the competition tower and also to help set up the course on the day of the event. Interested persons may call Montgomery at 426-5110.

The challenge is sponsored by Carolina Fire Service in Spartanburg and local sponsors.

The events of the challenge, including hose dragging, chopping and dragging “Rescue Randy” a life sized mannequin, simulate many of the challenges that face firefighters on the job. Contestants compete in full turnout gear, which can weigh 45 to 55 pounds.

Other attractions

A Kids Zone with rides and inflatables will be featured and music will be available Friday night and Saturday.

Around 40 vendors and crafters with different types of goods for sale will be set up at the festival.

“And we will have other foods besides barbecue - corn dogs, funnel cakes, chili cheese fries,” Owens said.

Entertainment will include Deejay Big - Dean Gregory, the Avery Mitchell Band and Union band Quest with Scotty Silvers. Quest didn't get to perform in 2007 because Silvers was serving in Afghanistan.