The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding a BBQ Cook-Off as part of its annual Spring Home and Leisure Show from April 8 to 10.

PHOTO CREDIT - Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Cornwall - Mar. 12, 2011 - Put on your barbecue apron, sharpen your knives and bring out your best recipe for the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce BBQ Cook-Off, hosted by CJSS's Jamie Carr.

"While there's plenty to see and do at our Spring Home & Leisure Show, we like to have some fun as well," says chamber executive manager Lezlie Strasser. "And so, we're partnering with Roy's Pools & Spas to launch a best recipe BBQ contest for all those amateur chefs out there. We want to give the participating culinary wanna-bees a chance to strut their stuff on the 'barby' and perhaps, introduce show visitors to some tasty outdoor fare."

The contest will be open to anyone not employed or otherwise involved in the food service sector. They need only to bring the ingredients for whatever they plan to cook and the Chamber will do the rest.

"We'll be providing the BBQs along with plates and utensils. Participants will each be given 20 minutes preparation time and up to 20 minutes on one of the three BBQ's," continued Strasser.

Participants will need to bring enough of their selected recipe to serve the four local celebrity judges: Chief Dan Parkinson, Chef Chris Barque, Chef Keitha Fisher & Chamber Past President Jeff Bethune; This year's category is "anything-on-a-bun."

Points will be awarded for taste, presentation and ease of preparation. Both first and second place winners will be awarded beautiful BBQ packages courtesy of Roy's Pools and Spas and Budget Propane. The first place prize package is valued at over $2,500.

Those wishing to participate must pre-register by contacting Amy Malyon at the Chamber office by phone (613-933-4004) or by email (malyon@cornwallchamber.com) or by visiting www.cornwallchamber.com.

Registration is limited to the first 50 participants and the registration deadline is Thursday, March 31.