The deadline to register for the Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department’s first Rib Cookoff fundraiser is quickly approaching. Slots for the competition are still open as the fire fighters plan to host the event at the Valley Grande City Park on Sep. 8 at 10 a.m.

The deadline for teams to register is Aug. 20.

Event organizer, Billy Barrett, said they are looking for at least 10 teams to participate in the cookoff.

The team registration fee is $100. Admission is $5 for guests ages 10 and up, and free for children under 10.

Barrett said this event was a new way for the volunteer organization to raise necessary funds.

“Years ago we used to do the pictures for Easter as our fundraiser, and before that we sold Boston Butts,” he said.

Barrett said the local churches sold Boston Butts, so in an effort to not interfere with their sales, the firefighters came up with the rib cookoff.

“This is something we wanted to try and see if it was gonna work out for us,” he said. “We’re not able to get grants a lot of times.”

The proceeds will be used to help the fire fighters buy more gear.

“If we can raise enough money to buy two sets of [fire fighter] turnouts then that helps,” he said.

Prizes will be awarded for first place, second place, third place and People’s Choice.

Local businesses have a chance to sponsor teams in either gold, silver or bronze categories.

Gold sponsorships cost $1,000 and will sponsor two rib cookoff teams. Silver sponsorships cost $500 and will sponsor one rib cookoff team. The business’s logo and name will be included on the banner as well as ads listed in the newspaper for both Gold and Silver sponsors.

Bronze sponsorship costs $250 and will sponsor one rib cookoff team. The Bronze sponsors name and logo will be included on the banner.

A promotional piece about the Gold sponsors’ business will also be on display at the Pepsi Wagon and at the entrance of the cookoff.

Registration forms can be picked up at the Valley Grande City Hall located at 5914 Alabama Hwy 22 in Valley Grande.

For more information contact Barrett at (334) 431-2451 or Christie Sawyer at (334) 414-2264.