Public Invited to Enjoy Keystone Classic Barbeque State Championship

Barbeque, Blues and Brews, KILE Events Make a Weekend Family Outing

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Foodies can enjoy barbeque, blues and brews during expanded events at the 2012 Keystone Classic Barbeque State Championship Oct. 5-6 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

The event features the Best Legs in Town chicken legs competition and new additions like blues bands and a beer garden featuring PA Preferred® craft brews.  The competition celebrates its fifth year at the Keystone International Livestock Exposition (KILE).

"The championship helps bring KILE full circle – showing agriculture from farm to fork," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "It provides a great showcase for our champion barbequers and local breweries."

Barbeque events start Friday night at 7 p.m. with judging of the Hoss's Steak and Sea House and Pennsylvania Beef Council "Great Ground Beef" and Weaver's "Award-Winning Bologna" contests.

Saturday features the Kansas City Barbeque Society events, where barbeque masters will compete for the Pennsylvania State Cup and $7,250 in prizes. They will prepare chicken, pork, pork ribs and beef brisket barbeque. The Incredible Egg dessert contest judging begins at 2 p.m.

Public opinion will decide the winner of the Bell and Evans "Best Legs in Town" people's choice contest Saturday. Stop by from noon to 1:30 p.m. to evaluate entries and cast your vote for the best barbeque chicken legs. Winners of all competition contests will be announced at 4:30 p.m.

Three blues bands will play Saturday beginning at noon, and six PA Preferred breweries will offer samples and sell brews at a beer garden adjacent to barbeque activities in the north lot of the complex. Pouring hours are 4-9 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.

In addition to the competition, visitors can enjoy animal exhibits, vendors, shows and other activities inside the complex.

"Whether you're interested in entertainment or education, there's something for everyone at KILE," said Greig. "This show makes a great family-friendly outing."

More than 3,500 beef cattle, pigs, sheep and horses will be on display at the show. Events like the North American All Breeds 6-Horse Hitch Classic Series Show and the Keystone Lead Line competition offer unique takes on traditional animal evaluation. Children can participate Saturday in the Agri-Kid Olympics and the Pedal Power Pull.

The show is open to the public with free admission and parking. Enter the complex from the Industrial Drive entrance at the Harrisburg Area Community College stoplight. The competition will take place in the parking lot bordering Cameron Street.

For more information, visit www.keystoneinternational.state.pa.us. Click on "2012 Show," then "Barbeque/Grill-off."

Featuring 1,300 beef cattle, 500 horses, 1,200 sheep and 500 swine exhibited by 1,000 producers from 31 states, the Keystone International Livestock Exposition is the largest livestock show on the East Coast and attracts exhibitors from across the nation.

Media contact: Nicole L. C. Bucher, 717-787-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture