PRESTONSBURG – It was a down south sort of thing in downtown Prestonsburg this past weekend.

Amid a host of activities that took place near the city stage adjacent to city hall was a barbecue competion. It may have been just as beneficial to those visting the downtown area this weekend as it was for the winners.

Locals in addition to several hopefuls from out of state threw their cooking caps into the ring for the title of “Best BBQ in Eastern Kentucky.”

Vendors competed in different areas, such as barbecue pork, chicken, ribs and an area referred to as Chef’s Choice. This last included such catagories as beef brisket and buffalo.

“When people visit these events, they visit our businesses, too, which is good for all involved,” said Brent Graden, Prestonsburg’s Director of Economic Development and the event organizer. “At the same time, it is also good to come together as a community and with your neighbors. Good things happen when people get together.”

The barbeque expert who came out on top during the weekend competition was West Prestonsburg resident Christian Clark, representing Absolute BBQ Company. The runner-up in the competition was Kevin McKee, of Lecco, there to show off the best for KD’s Homemade BBQ Sauce, a local provider of sauce based in Kentucky.

The cookoff was able to make donations from this year’s event to the Shriner’s Hospital charity.

In addition to the competition for the best barbecue, the city also hosted the first annual Fireman’s Challange for county fire departments.

Members of the Prestonsburg FIre Department were the actual hosts of the challenge as the department competed for the “Golden Fire Extinghuser” award.

Comptetion ranged from excercies in forcible entry, high rise pack carry, hose hoist, hose advance and victim rescue.

Allen Volunteer Fire Department took the top prize, with Prestonsburg as runner-up.