Venice, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/08/2010 -- You salivate when you see them on the Food Network. Now, a sanctioned professional barbecue competition is coming to Sarasota County for the first time, featuring up to 30 teams from around the state and nation serving up their delicious secret recipes to a panel of judges and to everyone who loves great barbecue.

The one-day-only Suncoast BBQ Bash will be held on Saturday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Venice Airport festival grounds. In addition to a barbecue cook-off, the event will include a chili cook-off, folk dancing, cooking demonstrations, and live musical entertainment from several popular Florida-based bands.

There is no cost for admission, and parking is also free. Proceeds of the event benefit the Suncoast Foundation for Handicapped Children. For event details, directions and more, visit http://www.suncoastbbqbash.com, http://www.flbbq.org, or http://www.chili.org