The Kiwanis Club of Griffin will be hosting and organizing the 2012 Southern Slow Ride Barbecue Contest on Sept. 22 at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds on South Hill Street. The event, which is sanctioned by the Georgia Barbecue Association, begins at 10 a.m. and ends at about 5 p.m.

According to Kiwanis Club member Wade Hutcheson, who is in charge of the event, admission to the barbecue contest is free. However, visitors can purchase a People’s Choice Award ticket for $5, which will allow them to sample the barbecue and vote for their favorite barbecue. Several teams will sell their foods.

“There will be plenty of barbecue for the public to buy,” said Hutcheson.

Organizers are expecting 30 teams to participate in the contest, though many more are still welcome to register, provided at least one team member is also a member of the Georgia Barbecue Association.

All teams will be cooking for prize money of more than $4,000, with the grand champion receiving $1,500 and the reserve champion getting $750. The winners of the three categories — pulled pork, loin and ribs — will win $500. Second- and third-place winners will receive $250 and $125, respectively.

In addition to the barbecue contest, the day at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds will also include a car show by The Southern Cruisers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., live music and a variety of arts and crafts vendors.

For more information on the Southern Slow Ride Barbecue Contest, visit www.bbqga.org or contact the Kiwanis Club of Griffin at 770-227-9187.