NORTH WILDWOOD — The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship℠ is a three-day, open-air festival featuring championship barbecue competition, live cooking demonstrations, celebrity guests, and food and beverage vendors to satisfy every taste and appetite.

The Anglesea Blues Festival, July 9-11, will features both national and regional blues musicians. Throughout the weekend, free, live entertainment is featured on the outdoor main stage, as well as additional acts in neighboring establishments.

The Barbecue Championship competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the world's largest association of barbecue enthusiasts. Representatives of KCBS and a panel of volunteer judges, many of whom are certified in the art and science of judging competitive barbecue, will officiate.

Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.

The Grand Champion of the New Jersey State Barbecue Championship is eligible to compete in the invitation-only world championship, the American Royale, held annually in Kansas City, Mo.

The Championship is located within walking distance of the Historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse and the free beach at Anglesea Inlet, in the heart of the Anglesea Entertainment District.

The New Jersey State Barbecue Championship and the Anglesea Blues Festival benefit the Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company.