For the third year in a row, the Greater Mount Zion Youth Ministry will be sponsoring a barbeque cook-off and fundraiser.

The event will include a barbeque competition, food, a bouncy house for kids and a DJ who will be on-site spinning records.

“It’s going to be a family fun day, event organizer Joshua Dupre said.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, on the grounds of the Mount Zion Church, 907 Farmer St., with those participating in the barbeque contest setting up next door.

The cost to enter the cook-off is $20 and categories will include barbeque chicken, spare ribs and barbeque beans, Dupre said.

The competition is open to all those interested in participating until the time of the cook-off, which is set for 6 a.m. the day of the event.

Competitors must supply their own equipment, Dupree said, and only charcoal, wood or gas grills will be permitted.

“No holes or pits will be allowed,” he said.

Also, all meat for the competition must be in its original packing upon arrival, however, barbeque baked beans can be prepared ahead of time.

Trophies will be awarded to cook-off winners and will include first, second and third place winners and an overall winner.

Proceeds from the event, Dupre said, go towards events sponsored by the youth department.

“The youth have already had a back-to-school drive where they bought school supplies and backpacks for kids,” Dupre said.

The money raised will also help fund small gifts that will be given to students leaving for college, and it will also fund future youth events.

Dupree said there are approximately 30 young people who participate in the church’s youth group.

In addition to the competition, barbeque plate dinners will be offered beginning at 11 a.m. and take-outs will be available.

The cost of the meal is $10 for a chicken plate, $12 for a rib plate and $14 for a combo plate.

Winners of the cook-off will be announced at 3 p.m., Dupre said, followed by the awards ceremony.

“Afterwards, it will just be a block party since part of Main Street will be blocked off for the cook-off,” Dupree said.

For more information or a complete list of cook-off rules, call 985-774-3828 or 601-618-7707.