PORT ALLEN — The Barbecue Competitors Alliance is hosting the 19th annual Smokin' Oldies BBQ Cook-Off this weekend in Port Allen.

The Barbecue Competitors Alliance has been bringing pitmasters together since 2011, hosting about 16 contests every year.
Chicken, ribs and brisket are all on the menu for this Saturday's competition.

"Our phrase is by the cooks and for the cooks," Nakia White with the BCA said.

Competitors are expected to come in from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

BCA competitions often help raise money for charitable causes.

"We like raising money and helping communities," White said.

Organizers said they still need more people to help judge the competition before it gets underway. Anyone interested does not need much experience to get involved.

"We always could use more judges, so that's one thing that the BCA and each contest needs. All you have to do is like barbecue and give us some honest feedback," White said.

For the cooks involved, the event is about more than just competition.

"We're a camping group of friends with a side of barbecue on Saturday morning," White said.

BCA leaders say anyone interested in judging the cook-off should arrive no later than 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

More information about the BCA and how to join can be found here.