The Second Annual Maine State Barbecue Contest will once again be held at the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds in Dover-Foxcroft as part of the Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce's Piscataquis Heritage Festival.

The festival features besides the barbecue contest a two Bluegrass music concert, Maine artisans show, Paintball gallery, specialty food producers show and much more.

The Maine State Championship contest is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. The winning team will be eligible to compete for the national championship to be held in Kansas City.

Chamber executive director Dennis Lyford explained that the Chamber is excited about hosting the barbecue championship again. These events are beginning quite popular said Lyford who pointed out that barbecue festivals have been featured on the Food Network and other cable television outlets.

The Chamber is expecting barbecue teams from New England, New York and Canada will travel to Dover-Foxcroft to compete for the 2003 State of Maine Championship Barbecue contest.

If you would like more information about the Piscataquis Heritage Festival visit the festival web site at www.heartofmaine.com/phf or call the Southern Piscataquis County Chamber of Commerce at 207-564-7533.