On Saturday, Oct. 16, barbecue chefs and fishermen from around the country will descend on Bainbridge to bring a down-home, Americana event to southwest Georgia.

The fourth stop on the 2010 American Bass Anglers BBQ Tour will be a great day of family fun for everyone who enjoys “fishin’ and que’ing” on Saturday, Oct. 16. The free event will not only feature the BBQ Cook-off and Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Weekend Series tournament weigh-in, but also a Battle of the Bands, a motorcycle ride, vendors of all types, as well as children’s’ activities.

Even in the midst of a recession, barbecue competitions seem to be hotter than ever—generating revenue and fun for cities. The events bring more than good food, fun and entertainment; they have a direct and indirect economic impact on the cities that host them. Research shows that a typical out-of-town visitor spends $257 per day in the barbecue host community. That average expenditure varies depending on the geographic locale and the size of the event.

It is this kind of economic success that is driving many cities to enter the barbecue arena for the first time.

Check the accounts payable lists for hotels and attractions. You will find many local vendors… florists, bakers, landscapers, construction workers, special events planners and advertising executives. Also consider that almost half of many white tablecloth restaurants’ revenue comes as a result of travel and about 17 percent of fast-food restaurant revenue.

The most successful ones are sanctioned by the non-profit Kansas City Barbeque Society, the industry’s most respected judging and sanctioning body for barbecue competitions.

With more than 10,000 members worldwide, KCBS has trained judges and sanctioned contests for more than 20 years. To date, about 15,000 people have become “certified” barbecue judges, and more than 4,000 teams compete nationally at about 300 KCBS competitions.

The society has literally given birth to barbecue nomads who travel in every direction to claim the KCBS coveted “Team of the Year” award.

“What other friendly sport can you choose that generates so much economic gain for communities and downright fun for entire families?” said Carolyn Wells, KCBS’ co-founder and executive director. “And did I mention the great food?”

Wells points out that part of the KCBS mission is to “celebrate and promote barbecue as America’s cuisine.” Add to that the economic impact of barbecue competitions, and cities across America may have the perfect recipe for an ailing economy.

For more information or to enter the Cook-off, the Battle of the Bands, or the Motorcycle Ride at Bainbridge on Oct. 16, call 1-888-203-6222 or visit www.ababbq.com.

For more information on upcoming festivals and community events, visit the Bainbridge Convention & Visitors Bureau website at www.visitbainbridgega.com or call (229)-243-8555.

The five-city tour will end with the Championship in Guntersville, Ala., on Nov. 6.

Sponsors of the American Bass Anglers Barbeque Cook-off Tour include Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Bainbridge Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jameson Inn of Bainbridge, The Charter House Inn of Bainbridge, Anheuser-Busch, Triton Boats, Mercury Marine, Royal Purple Synthetic Motor Oil, and Carlisle Tire & Wheel.