Barbecue may be closely linked to summer, but don’t let the season being months away prevent you from enjoying some tasty meats for a good cause.

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The fifth annual Sip & Swine BBQ Festival kicks off in Lawrenceville March 6-7. The event will feature what's touted as "the best BBQ competition in Georgia," as experts and amateur grillers battle to win cash prizes for the best barbecue.

As for who wins, that’s determined by the People’s Choice Competition, which could include you so long as you purchase a $10 People’s Choice Award Taster Kit.

There’s no cost to enter the festival and parking at Coolray Field is free.

"The last 4 years have been a huge success, and with your help, we've raised so much funding for the Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children's Shelter!" the Facebook event description read in part. "Our mission has not changed: we are out to promote the smokin' world of competition BBQ in a fun-filled festival environment. We are also proud to support our community."

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All proceeds from the event benefit the private, non-profit organization that provides services to children up to age 17 and their mothers who are seeking housing.

“Our program develops customized life plans for mothers that include mandatory employment, family savings goals, and life skills classes which will teach her how to maintain her household upon completion of our program” the organization says on the festival website. “Our children’s needs are met by first giving them a homelike environment where by are safe and loved and free to be kids. We make sure they have their emotional, educational and physical needs met and then we watch them blossom.”

This year’s Sip & Swine festival is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, a non-profit focusing on delighting in and promoting barbecue.

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DETAILS
Sip & Swine BBQ Festival
3 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, March 6 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 7
Coolray Field: 2500 Buford Dr, Lawrenceville